1. Chinese social media accounts are spreading disinformation ahead of the 2024 US presidential election.
2. The US government and researchers are warning about the digital threat, noting similarities to previous Russian tactics.
3. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has warned that China aims to sow doubts about US leadership, undermine democracy, and extend Beijing’s influence through online influence operations.
Chinese social media accounts linked to the government are spreading disinformation ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, echoing tactics previously used by Russian actors. These accounts, known as “Spamoflage,” are posing as avid Republicans and supporters of former President Trump’s reelection campaign, while making false accusations against President Biden. The US government and researchers have raised concerns about this digital threat, with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence warning that China aims to sow doubt about US leadership and undermine democracy by exploiting societal divisions through online personas.
The ODNI’s “Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community” highlighted China’s increased capabilities in conducting covert influence operations and disseminating disinformation, noting that Beijing’s efforts are reminiscent of Moscow’s playbook for influence operations. The report also pointed out that despite any attempts by the Chinese government to curb these activities, individuals acting independently may still engage in election influence activities aligned with Beijing’s goals.
This is not the first instance of foreign interference in US elections through social media tactics, as Russian troll farms were known to spread disinformation during the 2016 election on various platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Additionally, the US government has employed its own social media manipulation tactics, as Trump reportedly authorized a CIA program to spread negative narratives about the Chinese government on Chinese social media. As the 2024 election approaches, concerns about foreign interference and disinformation campaigns continue to mount.