Microsoft says China is using AI to sow discord, especially in the United States

The American company is sounding the alarm. China is increasing the use of content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) software and fake social media accounts to sow discord in the United States and elsewhere, says latest report from a Microsoft research center published Thursday April 4.

Beijing has “put in extra work” against its targets and has increased the sophistication of its influence operations abroad, says Clint Watts, head of the American IT giant’s threat analysis center. “China is using fake social media accounts to determine what divides voters the most in an attempt to drive wedges and tilt the outcome of the presidential election to its advantage.”he explains.

Attempt to manipulate public opinion

Chinese influence operations continue to “opportunistically seize” events, such as a train derailment in the state of Kentucky or fires on the Hawaiian island of Maui, to instill distrust in American authorities, according to the report. China has “also increased its use of AI-generated content to better achieve its goals around the world.adds Clint Watts.

According to the report’s findings, there is little indication as to whether these attempts to manipulate public opinion are, at this stage, having the effect the Chinese intended.