During the Taiwanese election, a group supported by Beijing, known as Storm 1376 or Spamouflage, was actively involved, as reported by Microsoft.
New Delhi:
In a recent advisory, Microsoft has raised concerns about China’s intentions to disrupt the forthcoming elections in India, the United States, and South Korea through the use of artificially generated content. This cautionary statement follows China’s trial during the presidential election in Taiwan, where artificial intelligence was utilized to impact the election results.
Globally, around 64 countries, along with the European Union, are gearing up for national elections, collectively representing approximately 49% of the world’s population.
Microsoft’s threat intelligence team has highlighted that Chinese state-affiliated cyber groups, with potential collaboration from North Korea, are likely to target multiple elections slated for 2024. The tech giant anticipates that China will deploy AI-generated content across social media platforms to influence public opinion in alignment with their strategic interests during these electoral processes.
Considering the significant elections scheduled this year, particularly in India, South Korea, and the United States, Microsoft predicts that China will employ AI-generated content to further its agenda. This move underscores the growing concern over the influence of artificial intelligence in shaping public perceptions.
Implications of AI in Electoral Processes
The emergence of political advertisements utilizing AI technology to create deceptive and false narratives, such as “deepfakes” fabricating non-existent events, poses a substantial threat during crucial election cycles. These tactics are designed to mislead the public by distorting candidates’ statements, positions on various issues, and even the authenticity of events, ultimately jeopardizing voters’ ability to make well-informed decisions.
While the immediate impact of AI-generated content remains limited, Microsoft warns that China’s experimentation with this technology could yield more potent results over time. The tech giant references China’s prior attempts to influence Taiwan’s election through the dissemination of AI-generated misinformation, marking a significant milestone in state-backed entities utilizing such methods in foreign electoral processes.
Microsoft’s findings reveal that during the Taiwanese election, Storm 1376, also known as Spamouflage and believed to be backed by Beijing, actively circulated AI-generated content, including fabricated audio endorsements and memes aimed at undermining specific candidates and shaping voter perceptions. Notably, the deployment of AI-generated TV news anchors, a tactic also observed in Iran, was part of their strategy.
“Storm-1376 has propagated a series of AI-generated memes targeting Taiwan’s then-Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate William Lai, alongside other Taiwanese officials and Chinese dissidents worldwide. These efforts have included an increasing utilization of AI-generated TV news anchors, a strategy initiated as early as February 2023,” noted Microsoft.
Influence of AI in US Politics
Microsoft highlights ongoing Chinese influence campaigns in the United States, leveraging social media platforms to pose divisive questions and gather intelligence on critical voter demographics.
“Recent months have seen a surge in Chinese AI-generated content, aiming to influence and sow discord in the US and other regions on various issues, including the Kentucky train derailment in November 2023, Maui wildfires in August 2023, disposal of Japanese nuclear wastewater, drug usage in the US, immigration policies, and racial tensions. Despite these efforts, there is scant evidence of their success in swaying public opinion,” Microsoft’s report stated.
The utilization of AI in US election campaigns is not unprecedented. Ahead of the 2024 New Hampshire Democratic primaries, an AI-generated phone call mimicking President Joe Biden’s voice advised voters against participating in the polls.
The misleading call suggested that voters should abstain from voting in the general election scheduled for November. This deceptive message, seemingly endorsed by President Biden, could have misled average voters, potentially leading to their disenfranchisement.
While no direct evidence implicates China in the New Hampshire incident, it exemplifies the direct threat posed by AI to democratic processes.
Preparations for India’s Elections
India’s general elections are slated to commence on April 19, with the results expected on June 4. The electoral process will unfold over seven phases, starting from April 19 and concluding on June 1.
The current term of the 17th Lok Sabha Assembly is set to conclude on June 16.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has already issued guidelines and protocols for the swift identification and mitigation of false information and misinformation.
Recently, representatives from OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, engaged with members of the ECI, presenting measures aimed at preventing the misuse of AI during the upcoming elections.
