New Delhi : China-linked information operations are increasingly leveraging generative AI tools to refine content laundering, covertly spread state propaganda, and run smear campaigns, raising serious global concerns. These AI-powered operations also create fake social media personas to influence target audiences.
According to a report in The Diplomat, Chinese actors are using generative AI to tailor content in local languages and cultural contexts, with a focus on youth. This approach aims to exploit social media’s popularity to deceptively build trust in pro-Beijing sources and shape the views of future leaders in developing regions.
The report highlights that in early August, two Vanderbilt University professors published an essay revealing a trove of Chinese documents linked to the private firm GoLaxy. These documents showed AI-generated misleading content targeting regions such as Hong Kong and Taiwan, and the creation of detailed profiles on US lawmakers for potential espionage or influence operations.
Several incidents reported by OpenAI, Meta, and Graphika point to the increasing use of AI by China-linked actors in foreign propaganda and disinformation campaigns. Earlier campaigns relied on AI to create false personas or deepfakes, but recent disclosures show a shift towards generating entire fake news websites distributing Beijing-aligned narratives in multiple languages. Graphika’s Falsos Amigos report identified 11 such websites established between December 2024 and March 2025, using AI-generated images to enhance credibility.
OpenAI’s June threat report highlighted similar tactics. Now-banned ChatGPT accounts generated fake news pages and individual persona accounts, including for US veterans critical of the Trump administration, as part of an operation dubbed Uncle Spam. AI-crafted logos and profiles amplified the illusion of authenticity, fueling political polarization in the United States.
Another strategy involved simulating organic engagement. OpenAI detected China-linked accounts bulk-generating social media posts, with main accounts posting comments followed by AI-generated replies to mimic discussion. The Uncle Spam operation generated supportive and critical comments on US tariffs, creating the appearance of a broader debate.
Meta also documented a case involving Pakistani activist Mahrang Baloch, who criticized China’s investments in Balochistan. A TikTok account and Facebook page posted a false video accusing her of pornography, followed by hundreds of AI-generated comments in English and Urdu to simulate reactions.
These developments underscore the urgent need for attention from social media platforms, software developers, and democratic governments to counter AI-driven propaganda and safeguard information integrity worldwide.
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