In its report, Microsoft stated that China previously engaged in an AI-generated disinformation effort during the presidential election in Taiwan in January.
According to a recent report by Microsoft, China plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate content aimed at disrupting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India, as well as elections in the United States and South Korea. The report, released on Friday, suggests that China intends to use AI to produce and disseminate content on social media that supports its strategic interests in these prominent elections.
Microsoft acknowledges that the immediate impact of such AI-generated content on election outcomes might be minimal. However, the company notes China’s growing use of AI to enhance memes, videos, and audio content, indicating that this tactic could become more influential over time. These findings are part of the insights shared in a report by the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MTAC) titled ‘Same targets, new playbooks: East Asia threat actors employ unique methods’.
Microsoft also revealed that China had engaged in an AI-generated disinformation campaign during Taiwan’s presidential election in January, marking the first instance the company observed a state-sponsored group using AI-crafted content to sway a foreign election.
However, Microsoft has issued a warning that China’s ambitions might extend well beyond Taiwan this year. The tech giant noted a series of significant cyber and influence activities from China and North Korea since June 2023. These actions not only reaffirm their focus on established targets but also show a shift towards employing advanced influence strategies to fulfill their objectives.
Microsoft has identified that in the last seven months, Chinese cyber groups have concentrated on three key regions: “One set of Chinese actors extensively targeted entities across the South Pacific Islands, and a second set of Chinese activity continued a streak of cyberattacks against regional adversaries in the South China Sea region. A third set of Chinese actors compromised the US defence industrial base,” the company disclosed.
Regarding influence operations, Microsoft observed, “Chinese influence campaigns continued to refine AI-generated or AI-enhanced content. The influence actors behind these campaigns have shown a willingness to both amplify AI-generated media that benefits their strategic narratives, as well as create their own video, memes, and audio content.”
According to Microsoft, China-based cyber threat groups have persistently targeted organizations connected to China’s economic and military interests in the South China Sea area. These actors have also breached systems of government and telecommunications entities within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Microsoft identified a specific Chinese cyber group known as Flax Typhoon, which initially focused on entities linked to US-Philippines military exercises. Following this, Flax Typhoon expanded its targets to include organizations in the Philippines, Hong Kong, India, and the United States during the latter part of 2023.
neoeraadmin