A Chinese state-linked influence operation, known as Spamouflage, has escalated its efforts to shape US political conversations ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The operation employs aggressive tactics, including impersonating US voters on social media and spreading divisive narratives on sensitive social issues, new research by Graphika reveals.
Graphika, a social media analytics firm, identified 15 spambot accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and one on TikTok that masquerade as US citizens and advocates for peace, human rights, and information integrity. These accounts act as inauthentic media outlets focused on spreading disinformation.
The operation has intensified its efforts since mid-2023, spreading content that criticizes both Democratic and Republican candidates, undermines trust in the US electoral process, and amplifies divisive narratives. This content targets political figures such as President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Spamouflage, also known as Dragonbridge, Taizi Flood, or Empire Dragon, has been active since 2019 across over 40 online platforms. It spreads pro-China and anti-Western narratives through videos, cartoons, and AI-generated content in multiple languages.
The operation has expanded its tactics to include the use of inauthentic personas posing as US voters, some of which push pro-Trump and conservative narratives while exacerbating social divisions. Accounts use manipulative content, including fake bios, stock images, and coordinated content-sharing within the spam network.
Spam personas maintain consistent branding across platforms, utilizing AI-generated avatars, recycling content, and coordinating posts. Videos targeting US politicians have gained significant views, especially mocking Biden.
Some accounts have rebranded themselves under new guises, deleting old posts and obfuscating past links to the Spamouflage operation. Handles, avatars, and branding were altered to appear as legitimate news outlets.
As per report, Chinese state-linked influence operation’s aggressive disinformation campaign ahead of the 2024 US election poses a significant threat to the integrity of the electoral process. Its tactics exploit political polarization across platforms, undermining trust in US institutions and democratic values.