Microsoft has issued a cautionary alert regarding China’s intention to interfere with upcoming elections in India, the United States, and South Korea using AI-generated content. This alert follows China’s trial during Taiwan’s presidential election, where AI was used to sway results.
Last month, Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss AI’s potential for social causes, women-led development, and advancements in health and agriculture.
Around the globe, at least 64 countries, along with the European Union, are gearing up for national elections. These nations collectively represent approximately 49% of the world’s population.
Microsoft Warns of China Cyber Involvement in Election 2024
Microsoft’s threat intelligence team warns that in 2024, China state-backed cyber groups, possibly aided by North Korea, are likely to interfere in multiple elections. They anticipate China using AI-generated content on social media to influence public opinion in their favor during these elections.
This tactic is expected to be especially prevalent in significant elections happening in countries like India, South Korea, and the United States.
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Threat of AI-Generated Deception in Political Advertising
The danger from political ads using AI to create misleading content like “deepfakes” or fake events is significant in an important election year. These tactics aim to trick people about what candidates are saying, their positions on different issues, and even if certain events actually happened. If not stopped, these sneaky efforts could make it hard for voters to make good choices.
Although AI-made content doesn’t have a big impact right now, Microsoft warns that China’s testing of this tech could get more effective with time. They say China tried to influence Taiwan’s election by spreading AI-made lies, the first time a country has done this in another country’s election.
In the Taiwanese election, a China-supported group called Storm 1376, or Spamouflage, was very active, Microsoft says. They shared AI-made content like fake audio endorsements and memes to discredit some candidates and change how voters saw them. Iran also uses AI-made TV news anchors as a tactic.
“Storm-1376 made lots of AI-made memes of Taiwan’s then-Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate William Lai, and other Taiwanese officials, as well as Chinese people who disagree with the government around the world. They started using AI-made TV news anchors at least since February 2023,” Microsoft explained.
AI Influence in US Elections
Microsoft has highlighted ongoing efforts by Chinese groups to influence the United States, mainly through social media. They’re using tactics like posting controversial content and gathering data on voting groups.
Recently, they’ve been using AI-generated content more frequently, focusing on divisive issues like disasters, environmental concerns, and social issues in the US. Despite these efforts, there’s little proof they’re changing people’s opinions.
Using AI in US elections isn’t new. Before the 2024 New Hampshire Democratic primaries, an AI-generated phone call imitated President Joe Biden’s voice, advising voters not to participate in the polls and suggesting they wait for the general election instead. This misleading call could have made voters think President Biden endorsed it, potentially leading them to not vote.
Although there’s no proof of Chinese involvement in the New Hampshire incident, it’s an example of how AI can threaten democratic processes.
India’s General Elections 2024
India’s upcoming general elections will start on April 19 and end with results announced on June 4. The voting process will happen over seven phases: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. The current term of the 17th Lok Sabha Assembly will end on June 16.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued guidelines to tackle false information during the elections. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, recently met with the ECI to discuss measures to prevent AI misuse in the elections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. What is Microsoft’s alert regarding the 2024 elections?
Ans. Microsoft warns of Chinese state-backed cyber groups likely to interfere in multiple elections, including those in India, the United States, and South Korea, using AI-generated content.
Q.2. How did China use AI in Taiwan’s presidential election?
Ans. China used AI to create misleading content, such as deepfakes and fake events, to sway public opinion in Taiwan’s presidential election, attempting to influence voters in favor of certain candidates.
Q.3. What discussions took place between Bill Gates and Indian PM Modi?
Ans. Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, discussed AI’s potential for social causes, women-led development, and advancements in health and agriculture with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Q.4. How many countries are preparing for national elections in 2024?
Ans. At least 64 countries, along with the European Union, are gearing up for national elections in 2024, collectively representing approximately 49% of the world’s population.
Q.5. What measures are being taken to prevent AI misuse in India’s elections?
Ans. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued guidelines to tackle false information during the elections, and discussions have occurred with OpenAI to discuss measures to prevent AI misuse.
