Rising Concerns: China’s Use of AI in Spreading Divisive Content

Taipei – In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Taiwan's intelligence agency has raised alarms over the increasing use of artificial intelligence by China to create and disperse controversial online narratives aimed at dividing Taiwanese society.

AI as a Tool for Disinformation

Taiwan's National Security Bureau recently presented a report to parliament highlighting the adversarial role of AI in modern cyber operations. As technology matures, Chinese state actors are reportedly leveraging AI tools not only to generate contentious messages but also to strategically disseminate them on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, X, and various online forums. The intelligence agency chair emphasized that these actions form part of a broader strategy to undermine Taiwan's social cohesion.

The Scale of the Operation

The agency disclosed that since the beginning of the year, over 510,000 controversial messages have been tracked—a noticeable rise when compared to the 442,652 identified in the same timeframe last year. In addition, surveillance operations have uncovered approximately 3,600 suspicious accounts linked to the activities on major social media platforms. These findings underscore the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyber campaigns that blend automated technology with traditional disinformation techniques.

The Broader Context

Tensions Over Sovereignty and Cyber Warfare

China maintains its stance on Taiwan's territorial status and has long employed a range of tactics, including military posturing and diplomatic pressure, to enforce its claims. Beyond these measures, the use of espionage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns further complicates the geopolitical landscape. For Taiwan, these activities represent not just a cyber threat but a deliberate strategy to influence public opinion and destabilize national unity.

Cognitive Warfare in the Digital Age

Analysts describe these actions as a form of cognitive warfare—a blend of state media efforts, social media manipulation, troll networks, and the activities of PR firms. Beijing's coordinated use of abnormal accounts to target sensitive topics, such as national security statements and military drills, aims to shape online narratives to its advantage. This multifaceted approach not only amplifies discontent but also erodes trust within Taiwanese society.

Looking Ahead

Taiwan's strategy to counter these incursions includes a sophisticated, automated monitoring platform capable of tracking and analyzing online content. As the digital battleground evolves, both Taiwan and China appear to be deepening their engagement in cyber espionage and information warfare, raising significant concerns about the future of online civic discourse.

By shedding light on these practices, Taiwan seeks to fortify its defenses and warn the international community about the potent mix of AI and cyber warfare in the pursuit of political objectives.

This article provides an investigative look into the evolving nature of digital propaganda and cyber operations in the context of cross-strait tensions.