A Chinese Information Warfare Network Targeting the US Election
A large-scale information warfare network, dubbed "Green Cicada," has been uncovered, potentially linked to a Chinese university and AI company. This network, consisting of at least 5,000 AI-powered accounts, is suspected of engaging in divisive political discourse on social media platforms like X, primarily targeting the United States.
CyberCX, a local cybersecurity firm, uncovered this operation. Their report warns that while the network is currently ineffective, it could be used for harmful activities in the future. Researchers believe the Green Cicada Network is controlled by an artificial intelligence Large Language Model (LLM).
The network's operator is suspected to be an employee of a Beijing-based AI company who studied at Tsinghua University, which has close ties to China's military and intelligence apparatus. While primarily focused on US political and cultural issues, Green Cicada has also been observed amplifying hot-button political issues in Australia, the UK, and other democratic countries.
CyberCX spokesperson Katherine Mansted expressed concern about the network's potential to infiltrate democratic discourse and exacerbate divisions. They believe the network may be staged to interfere in the upcoming US presidential election, given its increased activity since July 2024.
The Green Cicada Network is considered one of the largest publicly exposed information operations to date and may be the first significant China-related operation to utilize generative AI. CyberCX warns that if fully operational, the network could successfully amplify polarizing content, sow division, and undermine trust in institutions.
The report concludes by highlighting the importance of identifying and disrupting such networks to protect democratic processes.