Russian actors used AI-generated content including fake videos and artificially generated images as part of a disinformation campaign to influence Moldova's EU referendum and presidential election.
In 2024, Russian actors conducted a comprehensive disinformation campaign targeting Moldova's EU referendum and presidential election using AI-generated content. Microsoft tracked a multipronged Russian campaign that included artificially generated images and videos amplified by bots and inauthentic accounts. A notable example was a fake video purporting to show Moldova's economic development minister at a drug-fueled party, which the minister denounced as a 'two-bit fake.' The campaign also included fabricated documents such as a fake letter on Ministry of Culture letterhead demanding paid leave for an LGBT festival and requiring rainbow flags at government offices. Meta took down 67 accounts, pages and groups on Facebook and Instagram linked to 'coordinated inauthentic behavior' involving fictitious Russian-language news outlets. The disinformation campaign aimed to spread fear that EU membership would lead to war and destroy Moldovan families, with content designed to exploit homophobia and traditional values concerns.
Domain classification, causal taxonomy, severity scores, and national security assessments were LLM-classified and may contain errors.
Using AI systems to conduct large-scale disinformation campaigns, malicious surveillance, or targeted and sophisticated automated censorship and propaganda, with the aim of manipulating political processes, public opinion, and behavior.
AI system
Due to a decision or action made by an AI system
Intentional
Due to an expected outcome from pursuing a goal
Post-deployment
Occurring after the AI model has been trained and deployed