Unveiling the Tactics of Chinese Influence in Digital Arenas

Laptop screen displaying Chinese flag and code.

Chinese state-sponsored influence operation “Spamouflage” targets U.S. voters with divisive content ahead of 2024 election.

At a Glance

  • Spamouflage, a Chinese disinformation network, is impersonating U.S. voters online
  • The operation spreads divisive messages across multiple social media platforms
  • Content aims to amplify existing criticisms of American society and government
  • Despite significant efforts, campaigns have largely failed to generate organic engagement
  • U.S. security agencies are concerned about potential impacts on electoral integrity

Chinese Influence Operation Targets U.S. Voters

A sophisticated Chinese influence operation known as “Spamouflage” or “Dragonbridge” has been identified targeting U.S. voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election. This operation, linked to Chinese state efforts, has been active since at least 2017 and has intensified its activities as the election approaches. Spamouflage utilizes thousands of accounts across over 50 websites, forums, and social media platforms to disseminate its messages, aiming to shape American public opinion across various political spectrums.

The campaign does not favor a specific political party but instead focuses on amplifying existing criticisms of American society and government. By leveraging consumer data alongside AI tools and deepfakes, these operations aim to reshape perceptions and exacerbate social divisions within the United States.

The Harlan Report: A Case Study in Deception

One notable instance of Spamouflage’s tactics was the emergence of “The Harlan Report,” a purported independent news channel that gained attention for its claimed unbiased take on governmental scandals. The account, which claimed to be run by a New Yorker and Army veteran named Harlan, was later uncovered as part of the Chinese state-sponsored influence operation.

“One of the world’s largest covert online influence operations — an operation run by Chinese state actors — has become more aggressive in its efforts to infiltrate and to sway U.S. political conversations ahead of the election,” Jack Stubbs, Graphika’s chief intelligence officer, told The Associated Press. – Source

Harlan’s profile, including his age and location, changed over time, and his profile picture is believed to be AI-generated. The account gained significant traction on TikTok, with a video mocking President Biden garnering 1.5 million views before being removed. This success demonstrates the potential reach and impact of such influence operations.

Evolving Tactics and Targets

Spamouflage has evolved from posting generic pro-China content to focusing on divisive U.S. political topics. The operation creates fake accounts to mimic American users, appealing to both Republicans and Democrats. Since mid-2023, these accounts have been criticizing U.S. politicians and candidates, focusing on contentious issues such as the war in Gaza, homelessness, gun control, and racial inequality.

“It shows that Chinese influence operations targeting the U.S. are evolving and they’re engaging in these more advanced, deceptive behaviors,” Jack Stubbs, Graphika’s chief intelligence officer, told CyberScoop. – Source

The campaign targets specific candidates, such as Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, and amplifies anti-Democratic Party content. However, it also criticizes former President Trump, aiming to exacerbate U.S. social divisions and portray the United States as a declining power. This approach aligns with China’s broader geopolitical objectives rather than supporting any particular presidential candidate.

Challenges in Combating Influence Operations

Despite significant efforts, many Spamouflage accounts fail to gain traction, highlighting the numbers game in online influence operations. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok have suspended accounts linked to Spamouflage. However, the operation’s use of thousands of accounts across numerous platforms makes complete eradication challenging.

Foreign governments are improving at hiding their involvement in influence operations, often outsourcing to third-party firms. This evolution in tactics poses significant concerns for U.S. security agencies, which are grappling with the potential implications on electoral integrity. The U.S. government is actively investigating foreign interference in the election, with reports noting China’s cautious approach but ongoing efforts to influence the U.S. public.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the threat of foreign influence operations like Spamouflage underscores the need for increased vigilance and robust countermeasures to protect the integrity of the democratic process. American voters must remain critical consumers of online information, aware of the potential for manipulation by foreign actors seeking to sow discord and shape public opinion.

Sources:

  1. China-linked ‘Spamouflage’ network mimics Americans online to sway US political debate
  2. US voters targeted by Chinese influence online, researchers say
  3. Disinfo group Spamouflage more aggressively targeting U.S. elections, candidates