China, Iran, and Israel Alleged to Conduct AI-Powered Influence Campaigns
According to a security researchers' report, the three countries in question are establishing fake account networks on social media platforms via artificial intelligence agents.
Based on information attributed to U.S. officials and security researchers, China, Iran, and Israel are utilizing open-source artificial intelligence models and autonomous AI agents to conduct influence campaigns on social media.
Campaigns with Artificial Intelligence Models
U.S. officials and security researchers stated that the respective governments are increasing the speed and scale of online influence campaigns by using artificial intelligence technologies.
Fake Account Networks and Posts
Hundreds of AI agents established fake account networks on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X platforms, spreading misleading content regarding political and current issues.
State and Corporate-Backed Activities
Researchers determined that the campaigns conducted by China and Iran are state-backed, while two activities linked to Israel belong to private companies.
Details of Iran's and China's Activities
In the campaign linked to Iran, targeting U.S. users, accounts that acted like ordinary individuals living in major cities and reached thousands of followers were utilized.
Israel's Election-Focused Campaign
While Tel Aviv-based company IntelEye was cited among Israel's activities, it was noted that these agents made posts for the general elections in October.