Chinese state-affiliated hacking groups are employing AI-generated images to manipulate U.S. voters, according to a report by Microsoft. The tactic aims to mimic voters across the political spectrum and stoke controversy along racial, economic, and ideological lines using AI-powered image generators.
Furthermore, these efforts primarily focus on politically divisive topics, such as gun violence, and involve denigrating U.S. political figures and symbols. Even low-quality images are effective, with social media users frequently reposting them. China’s operations extend beyond the U.S., concentrating around the South China Sea, targeting government ministries, military entities, and critical infrastructure.
China has adopted social media influencer tactics, where over 230 state media employees and affiliates pose as independent influencers on Western social media platforms, amassing a combined following of at least 103 million people speaking more than 40 languages. While these tactics are alarming, they are not entirely new, with past Chinese misinformation campaigns targeting various groups.
The report also highlights North Korea’s ongoing cyber threat, with a focus on gathering intelligence on South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, along with acquiring cryptocurrency funds. These cyber espionage and misinformation efforts are expected to continue, impacting both opponents and supporters of the CCP’s geopolitical objectives globally, especially with upcoming elections in 2024, with Taiwan and the United States remaining key priorities for China.
