By John Q. Hosedrinker 
According to a report in *Yomiuri Shimbun*, internal documents from the Chinese AI company GoLaxy reveal Beijing’s use of AI to meddle in foreign elections, including Taiwan’s. The documents, obtained by Vanderbilt University, detail how GoLaxy analyzes public opinion to create AI-driven propaganda campaigns and deploy fictional characters to spread disinformation. Concerns were raised regarding the potential for intensified public opinion warfare in Taiwan’s upcoming local elections, with the aim of influencing the 2028 presidential election. The report also cited leaked audio files suggesting China’s involvement in previous elections, including the 2018 Kaohsiung mayoral election, further underscoring the issue of foreign interference.
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Internal documents from a Chinese AI company indicated that China has been using the technology to intervene in foreign elections, including propaganda targeting Taiwan’s local elections next year and presidential elections in 2028. This news, while not entirely surprising, is a stark reminder of the evolving battlefield of political influence. It’s almost expected, isn’t it? That any entity with the resources and ambition would leverage AI to shape public opinion. It’s a cheap and efficient alternative to traditional methods, especially when compared to the costs of conflict. With the rapid advancement of AI, the ability to generate convincing and widespread propaganda is readily available and the lines between reality and fabrication blur.
Internal documents from a Chinese AI company indicated that China has been using the technology to intervene in foreign elections, including propaganda targeting Taiwan’s local elections next year and presidential elections in 2028. The very idea of AI being used to meddle in elections, especially in a place like Taiwan, is unfortunately not shocking. We’ve seen this play out in various forms across the globe, and it’s almost certain that multiple actors, not just China, are involved. From multiple accounts circumventing bans to spreading disinformation and seeding discord, these are tools that are readily at hand. As long as social media remains largely unregulated, we are collectively at risk. Propaganda and election manipulation are, after all, cheaper than war, and the tools are becoming more powerful all the time.
Internal documents from a Chinese AI company indicated that China has been using the technology to intervene in foreign elections, including propaganda targeting Taiwan’s local elections next year and presidential elections in 2028. It’s important to remember that this isn’t just about influencing elections; it’s about making the day-to-day operation of governments more difficult by stirring up the populations as much as possible. It is a zero sum game with consequences on a global scale. This is not just a story about China; it’s a reflection of a larger, more complex reality where all major powers are likely engaged in similar activities. Think about the well-documented examples of Russia’s interference in the U.S. and Europe, and the subsequent impacts.
Internal documents from a Chinese AI company indicated that China has been using the technology to intervene in foreign elections, including propaganda targeting Taiwan’s local elections next year and presidential elections in 2028. The difficulty in holding those who succeed in these interferences accountable, because the winning candidates are unlikely to bite the hand that fed them, adds another layer of complexity to this situation. We are increasingly unable to determine the genuine identities of individuals online, which adds to the difficulty in recognizing AI-generated characters on social media. It creates a space where AI can be used to generate online discussions to influence the audience.
Internal documents from a Chinese AI company indicated that China has been using the technology to intervene in foreign elections, including propaganda targeting Taiwan’s local elections next year and presidential elections in 2028. It is not surprising that China is using AI-driven methods to promote its own agenda. We see evidence of this already, from the proliferation of pro-China content online to the denial of atrocities. This reflects a broader trend of leveraging technology for influence, and it underscores the need for constant vigilance. The fact that seemingly naive Redditors often assume AI will be used to create a utopia, ignoring the lessons of history, is a further reminder of the need for critical thinking.
Internal documents from a Chinese AI company indicated that China has been using the technology to intervene in foreign elections, including propaganda targeting Taiwan’s local elections next year and presidential elections in 2028. In a world where AI is rapidly evolving and is not being used to build a utopia, it is more important than ever to have regulations. The need for regulations is further highlighted by the fact that the countries at the forefront of AI development and manipulation are often not the most transparent or democratic ones. While education is important, it is not a cure-all, and we must realize that propaganda and manipulation can bypass even the most educated minds. We need a multi-faceted approach, including media literacy and critical thinking, to navigate the complexities of this new era.
Internal documents from a Chinese AI company indicated that China has been using the technology to intervene in foreign elections, including propaganda targeting Taiwan’s local elections next year and presidential elections in 2028. The reality is that we’re likely living in a world of weaponized AI, with every player vying for power and control. We should be realistic about the capabilities and ambitions of those who want to use AI to get what they want. AI is not just about combat and action; it’s also about social warfare. Mandatory digital IDs and age verification could limit the scope of manipulation and bot activity, but it’s not a complete solution. We are in a world where the stakes are getting higher and the need for action is urgent.
Internal documents from a Chinese AI company indicated that China has been using the technology to intervene in foreign elections, including propaganda targeting Taiwan’s local elections next year and presidential elections in 2028. We are in an era of high-stakes competition, and the scramble for dominance is intensifying, especially in the context of democracies and free elections. This is a battle for influence, and the future will likely see more, not less, of this kind of activity. It is important to remember that there is no perfect solution, and we must remain vigilant and adaptable to the ever-evolving tactics of those seeking to manipulate and control.