AI-powered Chinese campaign seeks to influence US presidential polls, also targeted India

In a recent report, the London-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) exposed an online Chinese influence network, interfering in the upcoming US elections. India Today OSINT team analysed the actors participating in the pro-CCP campaign and found evidence of its previous footprints in India.

Termed ‘spamouflage’ by researchers, the campaign is suspected to be linked to the Communist Party of China (CCP) and was seen as being active on X.

According to the ISD report, the online campaign used artificial intelligence (AI) and a network of social media accounts in an apparent bid to malign the US image as a nation rife with drug abuse, homelessness, and gun violence. One of the more striking tactics of the network includes the dissemination of AI-generated and photoshopped images featuring Joe Biden and Donald Trump, designed to highlight and exacerbate political divisions within the United States.

Among the narratives propagated are claims involving drug use by President Biden to enhance his public speaking performance and allegations of corruption. The campaign also touches on issues like racial discrimination and critiques both presidential candidates for their age, aiming to sow discord among American voters.

INDIAN CAMPAIGN

Even before it was seen active in the US, the campaign assets were seen actively posting content about India. Old posts reviewed by India Today indicate the accounts linked to the spamouflage network sought to amplify disenchantment among sections of Indians over domestic events, including those linked to G20 Summit and Agniveer protests.

For example, the network spread divisive content related to the installation of temporary structures near shanties during the G20 and protests during the Agniveer military scheme as well as India’s international engagements like the US-Israel-India-Arab I2U2 summit.

US CAMPAIGN

Initially identified in 2017 for its activities, the network, as of January 2024, was solely focused on the expected direct contest between President Joe Biden and his Republican challenger Donald Trump.

Though the campaign targets both the candidates, majority of attacks target US President Biden. Those directed at former President Trump appeared ambiguous and sometimes positive, the report said.

In its 2023 report, Meta Platforms said it removed 7,704 Facebook accounts, 954 Pages, 15 Groups, and 15 Instagram accounts linked to “Spamouflage”. The company identified them as part of the largest known cross-platform covert influence operation by the Chinese campaign network.

However, X continues to fall victim of such manipulative content operations due to its lax enforcement response.