Cyber and influence operations
John Chen · 2022
The possible use of AI in Chinese information operations prompts pressing questions. How might Chinese actors wield AI in future cyber intrusions and online influence operations, and with what effect? What kind of algorithmic research is underway to support these efforts? This chapter answers these questions by briefly examining the strategic relevance of AI to Chinese information operations, describing key research and development (R&D) centers and AI-enabled information operations techniques, and discussing some implications of Chinese research in AI-enabled information operations. Its primary findings indicate that China&s;s technical experts are researching AI to improve stealth, scale, and adaptability in information operations. Published Chinese research is vast and exploratory, but steadily progressing in maturity and led by organizations with close ties to the People&s;s Liberation Army (PLA), the Ministry of State Security (MSS), or China&s;s defense industrial base. This work may render Chinese AI-enabled information operations more effective, though success is not guaranteed, and deployment may be limited by the regime&s;s fear of losing control over China&s;s domestic information environment.