According to an analysis conducted by Microsoft, there's a significant concern regarding state-backed cyber groups from China, with the added assistance from North Korea, targeting electoral processes in countries such as India, the United States, and South Korea.
Microsoft has cautioned that China might exploit artificial intelligence (AI)-)-generated content to influence the outcomes of elections, particularly highlighting the potential use in India's Lok Sabha elections after a trial in the Taiwan presidential elections. The report from Microsoft Threat Intelligence underscores that these cyber groups will endeavor to interfere with elections not only in India but also in the United States and South Korea.
"While the immediate impact of such AI-generated content on election results remains minimal, China's exploration in amplifying memes, videos, and audio content is expected to persist and could become more potent in the future," stated the report.
India's Lok Sabha elections, scheduled in seven phases from April 19 to June 1 with results announced on June 4, are particularly under scrutiny. The analysis points out that a cyber actor known as Flax Typhoon, known for targeting the telecommunications sector, has previously targeted India among other countries.
Furthermore, a state-linked Chinese hacker group reportedly breached key government offices and businesses in India earlier this year. The hackers also purportedly accessed immigration data, which was subsequently leaked online.
The Microsoft report also highlighted the activities of Storm-1376, another group linked to the Chinese Communist Party, which circulated AI-generated videos alleging the United States and India's involvement in the unrest in Myanmar.
With upcoming elections in the United States, Chinese groups are purportedly utilizing social media platforms to pose divisive questions and gather intelligence on voting demographics. The report also sounded a caution regarding North Korea's increased involvement in cryptocurrency heists and supply chain attacks, leveraging AI to enhance their operations.
Recent discussions between Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored concerns regarding the potential misuse of AI-generated deepfake content, with Modi expressing apprehensions about the dissemination of misleading information.
Given China's previous attempts at disinformation campaigns, such as in Taiwan's presidential election, where AI-generated content was employed, and the increased utilization of AI-generated TV news anchors, the report urges vigilance in safeguarding electoral processes against such manipulative tactics.
