China and Iran use AI to manipulate US election opinion
Chinese and Iranian actors reportedly used artificial intelligence to generate manipulated social media content and fake news sites targeting US voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Microsoft and Meta identified sophisticated campaigns using AI to craft more natural-sounding messages designed to influence American public opinion.
What happened
Iranian and Chinese actors are using artificial intelligence to craft targeted messages aimed at influencing US public opinion ahead of the presidential election. These actors are employing sophisticated social media manipulation tactics and fake news sites to sway voter opinion.
Nio Thinker, presented as a progressive news site, publishes content critical of Donald Trump using unusual language phrases like 'raving mad litigosaur' and 'opioid-filled elephant.' Microsoft reported in August that Nio Thinker is part of an Iranian-orchestrated influence campaign. The site also hosts articles with pro-Palestinian stances on the Israel-Hamas conflict that criticise Vice President Kamala Harris.
Reported impact
Experts warn that the deceptive online actors are attempting to manipulate US public opinion ahead of the presidential election through AI-generated appeals designed to sound more natural to American audiences.
Index analysis
The campaigns use artificial intelligence to generate content with more natural-sounding appeals to American audiences. Meta reported in July that fraudulent accounts posing as tech support workers have been used in Iranian attempts to interfere in the US election.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.