Microsoft has issued a cautionary alert, indicating China’s intentions to disrupt forthcoming elections in India, the United States, and South Korea through the use of artificially intelligent-generated material. This warning comes in the wake of China’s trial run during Taiwan’s presidential election, where AI was employed to influence outcomes.
During a recent meeting between Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, discussions revolved around the potential applications of AI for social causes, women-led development, and innovations in health and agriculture.
As global elections loom, with at least 64 countries, in addition to the European Union, set to hold national elections, these nations collectively represent about 49 percent of the global population.
Microsoft’s threat intelligence team forecasts that Chinese state-backed cyber groups, potentially assisted by North Korea, will target multiple elections slated for 2024. The tech giant predicts that China will likely utilize AI-generated content disseminated via social media platforms to influence public opinion in alignment with its interests during these electoral events.
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“Given the significant elections scheduled worldwide this year, particularly in India, South Korea, and the United States, we anticipate that China will, at the very least, produce and amplify AI-generated content to advance its agenda,” stated Microsoft in its release.
Threat Of AI In Elections
The proliferation of political advertisements utilizing AI technology to generate deceptive and false content, such as “deepfakes” or fabrications of events, poses a significant threat in this crucial election year. These tactics aim to mislead the public about candidates’ statements, positions on various issues, and even the authenticity of certain events. If left unchecked, such manipulative efforts have the potential to undermine voters’ ability to make informed decisions.
While the immediate impact of AI-generated content remains relatively limited, Microsoft has cautioned that China’s increasing experimentation with this technology could potentially become more effective over time. The tech giant highlighted China’s previous attempt to influence Taiwan’s election through the dissemination of AI-generated disinformation, marking the first instance of a state-backed entity employing such tactics in a foreign election.
During the Taiwanese election, a group known as Storm 1376, or Spamouflage, which is backed by Beijing, was notably active, according to Microsoft. This group circulated AI-generated content, including fake audio endorsements and memes, with the aim of discrediting certain candidates and shaping voter perceptions. Similar tactics, such as the use of AI-generated TV news anchors, have also been observed in Iran.
“Storm-1376 has disseminated a range of AI-generated memes featuring Taiwan’s then-Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate William Lai, as well as other Taiwanese officials and Chinese dissidents worldwide. This has included an increasing utilization of AI-generated TV news anchors that Storm-1376 has deployed since at least February 2023,” stated Microsoft.
AI Influence In US Affairs
Microsoft has highlighted ongoing influence campaigns by Chinese groups in the United States, utilizing social media platforms to pose divisive questions and gather intelligence on crucial voting demographics.
“In recent months, there has been an uptick in the use of Chinese AI-generated content, aiming to influence and sow discord in the US and other regions on various issues, including the train derailment in Kentucky in November 2023, the Maui wildfires in August 2023, the disposal of Japanese nuclear wastewater, drug use in the US, as well as immigration policies and racial tensions in the country. However, there is little evidence to suggest that these efforts have successfully swayed public opinion,” Microsoft stated.
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The use of AI in US election campaigns is not a new phenomenon. In the lead-up to the 2024 New Hampshire Democratic primaries, an AI-generated phone call imitated President Joe Biden’s voice, advising voters against participating in the polling.
The call falsely implied that voters should refrain from voting in the general election in November instead. Upon hearing this message, the average voter could have been easily misled into believing that President Biden himself had endorsed this directive, potentially leading to their disenfranchisement.
While there is no evidence of Chinese involvement in the New Hampshire incident, it stands as one of many instances where AI poses a direct threat to democratic practices.
Road Ahead For India
India’s general elections are slated to commence on April 19, with the declaration of results scheduled for June 4. The electoral process will unfold over seven phases, starting with the first phase on April 19, followed by subsequent phases on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and concluding with the seventh phase on June 1.
The current term of the 17th Lok Sabha Assembly is due to conclude on June 16.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has already issued guidelines and protocols for promptly identifying and addressing false information and misinformation.
In a recent development, representatives from OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, held discussions with members of the ECI. During the meeting, a presentation was delivered to the commission members outlining the measures being implemented to prevent the misuse of AI in the upcoming elections.
