Foreign Adversaries Using Artificial Intelligence to Interfere in U.S. Politics and Elections, Warn U.S. Intelligence Agencies

Russia and China Using AI to Undermine America’s Image and Influence Elections

According to U.S. intelligence agencies, Russia and China are actively seeking to undermine America’s image in the world and aggravate divisions in U.S. society using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The intelligence community’s annual assessment of global threats highlighted the use of AI by both regimes to interfere in American politics and elections.

Russia, in particular, is said to be contemplating how the outcomes of the 2024 U.S. elections could impact Western support to Ukraine and is likely to attempt to affect the elections in ways that align with its interests and goals. The assessment also noted that Russia’s influence actors have adapted their efforts to better conceal their involvement and may use technologies like generative AI to enhance their capabilities and reach Western audiences.

On the other hand, China has adopted a more assertive covert information campaign to extend its influence and undermine America’s power, with tactics similar to those employed by Russia. The report highlighted China’s efforts to exploit perceived U.S. societal divisions using online personas, moving closer to Moscow’s playbook for influence operations. China is also said to be experimenting with AI software to enhance its influence efforts.

FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed concerns about foreign adversaries using AI-enabled tools to spread disinformation before the 2024 election, noting that AI is a focus for significant adversaries looking to enhance their efforts in information warfare. Wray also acknowledged the potential threat posed by TikTok, suggesting that the Chinese government could direct the platform’s U.S. branch to target specific political candidates using algorithms.

The Intelligence Committee chairman, Mark Warner, warned of the increasing threat to democracy posed by foreign adversaries engaging in disinformation campaigns before elections. He highlighted the incentives for bad actors like Russia to interfere, particularly given the situation in Ukraine. The assessment also mentioned Iran’s expected continuation of malign influence operations, including potential interference in the 2024 U.S. election.

As the use of AI in disinformation campaigns becomes more prevalent, the U.S. faces a growing challenge in safeguarding its democratic processes from foreign interference. With Russia and China leveraging AI tools to undermine America’s image and influence elections, the need for vigilance and countermeasures to protect the integrity of the electoral process has never been more critical.