China May Use AI To Disrupt Indian Elections: Microsoft Warns

Microsoft on Friday warned that China will use artificial intelligence (AI) content to disrupt upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India, as well as elections in countries such as the United States and South Korea.

China will utilize AI-generated content through social media that "benefits their positions in these high-profile elections", the report said. The US-based company stated that it has noticed "several notable cyber and influence trends from China and North Korea since June 2023 that demonstrate not only doubling down on familiar targets but also attempts to use more sophisticated influence techniques to achieve their goals".

According to Microsoft, Chinese cyber operatives have identified three primary target regions: nations in the South Pacific Islands, regional rivals in the South China Sea area, and the defense industrial base of the United States.

"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," Microsoft added.

It further stated, "China's geopolitical priorities remain unchanged but it has doubled down on its targets and increased the sophistication of its influence operations (IO) attacks."

Microsoft said that a Chinese cyber entity named Flax Typhoon directed its attention towards organizations participating in US-Philippines military drills. Following this, the entity expanded its targets to include organizations in the Philippines, Hong Kong, India, and the United States in the initial months of fall and winter in 2023.