Russia is using generative artificial
intelligence (AI) in its online disinformation campaigns - so
far with scarce results, according to the latest report
published by Meta.
The so-called Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour (CIB) is at the
centre of the report - or coordinated efforts aimed at
manipulating public debate for a strategic objective in which
fake accounts are at the centre of the operation, it said.
The social network giant, which owns Facebook and Instagram,
noted different trends in the use of the new technology to
create and amplify the promotion of fake news.
For example, generative AI was deployed to generate posts and
translate content in Doppelganger, the most persistent operation
of Russian influence.
It was also used to create unique images that can elude
automatic detection at scale, it said.
For Meta, however, the tactics used by generative AI "provide
authors of threats only incremental gains in terms of
productivity and content generation" without hindering "the
capability" of the social giant to "interrupt their operations
of influence".
Russia, the report noted, remains "the primary source" of world
CIB networks, followed by Iran and China.
Yet while disinformation campaigns waged by the Kremlin
initially concerned various themes, since the Russian invasion
of Ukraine they have focused on support to Kyiv in its defence
against Russia.
For this reason, starting from now until the US elections, Meta
said it expects Russia-based operations promoting content to
support candidates who oppose aiding Ukraine and who criticize
those in favour of its defence.
The report noted that this could translate into "attributing
economic difficulties to the United States" in the provision of
financial aid to Ukraine, painting the Ukrainian government as
untrustworthy or amplifying voices that express opinions in
favour of Russia regarding the war and its perspective, it said.
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