A Chinese influence campaign is using artificial intelligence and a network of social media accounts to amplify American discontent ahead of the U.S. election, according to a report. The campaign, known as Spamouflage, aims to breed disenchantment by maligning the United States and convincing international audiences that the country is in a state of chaos. The report also stated that artificially generated images, some with tools like Photoshop, promoted the idea that the November vote will damage and potentially destroy the country. The campaign has focused on social conflict and antagonism in the U.S. presidential race, aiming to shape other important elections taking place in the world this year. Researchers caution that fake, hateful, and violent material is more prevalent due to social media platforms lowering their guard. Political polarization in the United States was also noted as a temptation for China and others to sow confusion among voters.
