US tech giant Microsoft recently warned India and other countries that will undergo elections in 2024 that China is planning to disrupt the polling. Microsoft's threat intelligence team in its report stated that China has already conducted a trial run of its 'top secret AI' during Taiwan's presidential election. Recently, Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates interviewed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and talked about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used for the betterment of society. However, it seems like China is all braced up to disrupt not only the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 but also polls in the US, and South Korea.
To be precise, China will fire artificial intelligence-generated content on various social media websites to influence the voters to cast their vote in favour of the political party which it considers will benefit the community nation. Across the world, at least 64 countries, in addition to the European Union, are expected to hold national elections. These countries collectively account for approximately 49 percent of the global population.
Microsoft in a statement was quoted saying, "With major elections taking place around the world this year, particularly in India, South Korea and the United States, we assess that China will, at a minimum, create and amplify AI-generated content to benefit its interests."
What is China's plan for India's General Election 2024?
As per Microsoft, China will post AI-driven content in the form of advertisements that will include deceptive and false content, including "deepfakes" or fabricating events that never took place. Such tactics aim to mislead the public regarding candidates' statements, stances on various issues, and even the authenticity of certain events.
Microsoft outlined that China used a similar malpractice and tried to influence Taiwan's election. It marked the first instance of a state-backed entity utilising such tactics in a foreign election.