Chinese Bot Army Interferes in U.S. Elections

Microsoft research reveals Chinese-controlled bots are targeting voters in Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee. The bot network, linked to China's Ministry of Public Security, aims to sway election outcomes by denigrating specific Republican lawmakers. This interference effort is considered a coordinated attempt against the U.S. electoral process.

In a striking revelation, new research by Microsoft has uncovered a coordinated effort by Chinese-controlled social media bots to influence voters in three U.S. states: Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee. The operation targets Republican lawmakers, including U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, with the goal of swaying down-ballot races.

Dubbed the Taizi Flood, the troll network has been linked to China's Ministry of Public Security. Using antisemitic messages and corruption accusations, the bots amplify opposition candidates and undermine U.S. Representatives Barry Moore, Michael McCaul, and Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn. Each of these politicians has historically criticized China's government policies.

Despite the alarming intentions, Microsoft reports that the influence effort did not achieve high engagement levels. However, candidates like Moore express concern over China's potential cyber capabilities impacting democracy worldwide. Meanwhile, officials have yet to respond to requests for comment on the foreign election interference claims.

(With inputs from agencies.)