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China may be behind social media accounts seeking to sway US voters, Microsoft says

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

China may be behind social media accounts seeking to sway US voters, Microsoft says

In a new research report, Microsoft said the social media accounts were part of a suspected Chinese information operation. The campaign bore similarities to activity which the US Department of Justice has attributed to "an elite group within (China's) Ministry of Public Security," Microsoft said.

Related News

Microsoft warns China will use AI to try to influence US elections

Business Insider

Business Insider · 1y ago

Microsoft warns China will use AI to try to influence US elections

Microsoft has warned in a recent report that China is using AI-generated media to influence elections in East Asian countries and the US. The report highlights instances of AI-generated memes, videos, and audio created by Chinese propaganda actors to generate outrage and sway elections. Chinese government-linked accounts have also posted AI-generated media pieces to create chaos in the US. Microsoft suggests that these accounts may be gathering intelligence about voting demographics. While the threat remains low, these efforts may become more effective in the future. This report follows a US Office of the Director of National Intelligence assessment highlighting China's attempts to undermine democracy and extend its influence.

Iran is accelerating cyber activity that appears meant to influence the US election, Microsoft says

Economic Times

Economic Times · 12m ago

Iran is accelerating cyber activity that appears meant to influence the US election, Microsoft says

Iran is engaging in online activities to influence the upcoming U.S. election, according to Microsoft. Their tactics include email phishing attacks targeting a presidential campaign, creating fake news sites, impersonating activists, and hacking government employees' accounts. The aim is to sow division and potentially sway American voters, particularly in swing states. Russia and China are also exploiting U.S. political polarization to advance their own divisive messaging. Concerns are raised about the use of generative AI technology to create fake content to mislead voters. U.S. intelligence officials warn that Russia remains the greatest threat for election disinformation.

Anonymous users are dominating right-wing discussions online. They also spread false information

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Anonymous users are dominating right-wing discussions online. They also spread false information

A false claim made by an anonymous user on the social platform X about skyrocketing rates of voters registering without a photo ID in three US states has spread widely. The claim distorted data from the Social Security Administration, resulting in public figures like Elon Musk and Marjorie Taylor Greene expressing concern. These accounts, which hide the identities of those behind them, have become influential in right-wing political discussions, often spreading misinformation. While anonymity on social media can be important, tech watchdogs argue that spreading lies without accountability should not be allowed.

Russia produced most AI content to sway presidential vote, US intelligence official says

Economic Times

Economic Times · 10m ago

Russia produced most AI content to sway presidential vote, US intelligence official says

A U.S. intelligence official revealed that Russia has produced the most AI content to influence the U.S. presidential election, with a focus on boosting Donald Trump and denigrating Kamala Harris. This AI content includes text, pictures, and videos that appear to be created by humans. Russia is considered a sophisticated actor in this field and had a better understanding of how U.S. elections work. China, on the other hand, uses AI content to shape global views but not to sway U.S. election outcomes. Iran has also used AI to generate posts for social media and inauthentic news articles targeting American voters on polarizing issues and presidential candidates.

Microsoft says China using AI to sow division in US

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Microsoft says China using AI to sow division in US

China is intensifying its use of artificial intelligence-generated content and fake social media accounts to fuel division in the United States and other countries, according to a report from Microsoft's threat center. By using these tactics, China aims to sow discord and potentially influence the outcome of the US presidential election. The report also reveals that China is increasingly utilizing AI-generated content to achieve its objectives globally. Additionally, the report highlights North Korea's adoption of AI for cyberattacks and military intelligence gathering.

YouTube and Reels Could Decide India’s Elections

Wired · 1y ago

YouTube and Reels Could Decide India’s Elections

The article discusses how political parties in India are leveraging influencers on platforms like YouTube and Instagram to sway voting patterns and secure power. With over 622 million Indians online, the reach of social media influencers is seen as a powerful tool to engage with voters, particularly in rural areas. Influencers are employed to shape the narrative, manage crises, and generate trust among the electorate, while also allowing politicians to avoid media scrutiny. However, this practice raises concerns about the integrity of elections and the lack of transparency in paid promotions by influencers.

Gen Z users oppose social media limits: poll

Economic Times

Economic Times · 11m ago

Gen Z users oppose social media limits: poll

American teens oppose regulations on social media use, despite awareness of potential harms. A study reveals that over 60% of newly registered US voters reject the idea of requiring parental consent for social media use by children under 16. Additionally, more than 85% believe there should be no time limits on receiving social media notifications. In other news, a US judge may order major changes to Google's Android app store to penalise the company for illegal monopolistic behaviour. This could include providing consumers with the choice to download alternative app stores. Meanwhile, US lawmakers are pressuring Meta (formerly Facebook) for details on illicit drug ads on its platforms. Lastly, SoftBank has reportedly abandoned plans to produce an AI chip with Intel, blaming the chipmaker's inability to meet volume and speed requirements.

New era of AI deepfakes complicates 2024 elections

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

New era of AI deepfakes complicates 2024 elections

The 2024 US presidential election faces a unique challenge of policing deceptive content due to the proliferation of AI technology. The use of AI-generated deepfakes, fake images, audio, videos, and social media profiles that appear human can potentially confuse voters. With around 70 countries holding national elections this year, platforms like Meta and OpenAI are implementing measures to address deceptive content. Social media giants, including X, Meta, and YouTube, are navigating the balance between combating deceptive content and respecting free speech. The risk of AI-generated fakes may lead to greater skepticism even towards genuine images and recordings.

Skype shutdown: Microsoft's billion-dollar bet fails to keep pace

Economic Times

Economic Times · 5m ago

Skype shutdown: Microsoft's billion-dollar bet fails to keep pace

Microsoft will retire Skype by May 2025, ending a service that once dominated online communication. Launched in 2003, Skype gained traction with free voice calls, but struggled to adapt in the smartphone era. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011, but prioritized Teams during the remote work boom. Teams will now be the primary communication tool as Skype is phased out, with accounts and chats migrating to Teams. Social media users shared mixed reactions to Skype’s shutdown.

WhatsApp, social media influencers emerge as go to campaign mediums as parties sound poll bugle

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

WhatsApp, social media influencers emerge as go to campaign mediums as parties sound poll bugle

Messaging platforms like WhatsApp and social media influencers have become crucial mediums for political parties in India to influence voter psychology. The BJP is using WhatsApp to send personalized letters from the Prime Minister to voters, highlighting government achievements and seeking feedback. The Congress runs a WhatsApp group where Rahul Gandhi interacts with people. Social media platforms like Facebook have seen a decline due to restrictions on political advertisements. Parties now prioritize platforms with a large user base, such as Instagram and Twitter. Social media influencers are also playing a significant role in political campaigns. However, the impact of social media on actual voting behavior is still a matter of debate. The need for regulations in social media campaigning has been highlighted, and the role of electoral bonds in campaign financing has been discussed as well.

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