Researchers at Microsoft have announced the discovery of what they believe to be a network of fake social media accounts controlled by China, aiming to influence American voters through the use of artificial intelligence.
In a new research report, Microsoft stated that these accounts on social media were suspected to be part of a Chinese propaganda campaign. They mentioned that the campaign bears similarities to the activity previously attributed by the U.S. Department of Justice to a "group of elite within the Ministry of State Security (Chinese)."
While the researchers did not specify the social media platforms involved, screenshots presented in their report displayed posts that seemed to be from either Facebook or Twitter (formerly known as X).
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington responded to the allegations against their country, stating that the accusations of using artificial intelligence to create fake social media accounts were "filled with bias and malicious speculation," and emphasized China's call for the safe use of artificial intelligence.
The report sheds light on the charged atmosphere on social media as Americans prepare for the 2024 presidential elections.
The U.S. government accused Russia of interfering in the 2016 elections through a covert social media campaign and has warned of subsequent efforts by China, Russia, and Iran to influence voters.
The report provided a limited number of examples of recent activity and did not elaborate on how the researchers attributed the posts to China.
A Microsoft spokesperson told Reuters that a researcher from the company used a "branching attribution model" based on "technical, behavioral, and contextual evidence."
The company clarified that the campaign began using generative artificial intelligence technology in March 2023 to create politically charged content in English and "simulate American voters."
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