Microsoft has issued a warning about the potential threat posed by China’s use of AI-generated content to disrupt upcoming elections in India, the United States, and South Korea. The concern arose after China conducted a trial run during Taiwan’s presidential election, utilizing AI to manipulate public opinion.
During a meeting between Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the positive applications of AI for social causes, women-led development, and innovation in health and agriculture were discussed. However, Microsoft’s threat intelligence team has identified state-backed cyber groups from China, potentially with involvement from North Korea, as the main culprits expected to target elections scheduled for 2024.
The method of operation is anticipated to involve the deployment of AI-generated content through social media platforms, aiming to sway public opinion in favour of China’s interests. The use of AI-generated content in political advertisements poses a significant threat to the integrity of elections, as it can create deceptive and false information, including “deepfakes” that fabricate events or statements.
While the immediate impact of AI-generated content remains limited, Microsoft warns that China’s increasing experimentation with this technology could make it more effective in the future. China’s previous attempt to influence Taiwan’s election involved the dissemination of AI-generated disinformation, marking the first known instance of a state-backed entity using such tactics in a foreign election.
