Microsoft released a new study on Wednesday, revealing that a vast army of social media bots controlled by the Chinese Communist Party is attempting to influence the U.S. election, targeting voters in Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee, while also smearing federal lawmakers like Marco Rubio who are anti-communist.
According to Microsoft’s blog post on Wednesday, with just two weeks left until the 2024 election day, the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) observed ongoing efforts by Russia, Iran, and the CCP to undermine the U.S. democratic process.
Microsoft highlighted that the CCP’s influence activities are primarily focused on low-ranking candidates and congressional members. The article stated that the CCP’s influence campaign aims to denigrate lower-tier Republican candidates and congressional members who advocate anti-communist policies. This includes targeting federal Representatives Barry Moore of Alabama, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Michael McCaul of Texas, and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, all of whom are Republicans.
The blog post mentioned that CCP influence actors parrot anti-Semitic messages, exaggerate corruption allegations, and promote opposition candidates.
Researchers identified the organization responsible for this as “Taizi Flood,” which has had previous links to China’s Ministry of Public Security. The Microsoft report indicated that these lawmakers have been targeted because of their past criticisms of the CCP government’s policies.
These social media bots also criticized Barry Moore for his support of Israel, using anti-Semitic language. Another related account collectively smeared Marco Rubio for allegedly participating in financial corruption schemes. These bots also amplified support for Marsha Blackburn’s opponent while spreading claims that she received money from pharmaceutical companies. Claims of insider trading were propagated against Michael McCaul, the federal Representative from Texas.
Moore, McCaul, and Blackburn are all up for re-election next month. Rubio, serving as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, will not be up for re-election until 2028.
Microsoft’s researchers found that the CCP’s efforts did not lead to “high levels of engagement,” but it underscores the ongoing attempts by the CCP to influence various aspects of American politics.
The report did not provide specific indicators of how many Americans have viewed related social media posts.
According to Reuters, Madison Green, spokesperson for Representative Moore, acknowledged the CCP’s influence campaign.
“We know that the Chinese Communist Party is anti-Semitic, so they’re targeting me and other politicians who support Israel, trying to sow division before the most crucial election in our lifetime. It’s not surprising,” Moore said.
“China (the CCP) has made it clear that they will use all weapons in their arsenal, including offensive cyber capabilities, to try and destroy democracy around the world,” he added.
In August this year, a report released by the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future revealed that the CCP, Iran, and Russia are engaging in influence operations aimed at interfering with the 2024 elections.
The report found that CCP-affiliated actors “amplified specific content, highlighting polarizing domestic issues” in an attempt to sow discord among Americans. These issues include “Black Lives Matter,” campus protests, and U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel and Ukraine.
(This article referenced reports from Reuters)