AI-driven efforts by Chinese businesses targeting American politicians and influencers with propaganda
GoLaxy: Chinese AI Firm Accused of Shaping U.S. Political Narratives
A Chinese AI company, GoLaxy, is under scrutiny for its alleged influence operations targeting U.S. politicians and social media influencers. The firm, which presents itself as a social media mapping agency, has been found to be using AI to generate data profiles and persuasive content in real-time [1][2][4].
The company's "Smart Propaganda System," internally known as GoPro, automates the creation and adjustment of persuasive messaging for social media platforms. It monitors vast amounts of data, including millions of posts daily across Chinese and Western networks like Weibo, Facebook, and X, and produces rapid counterattacks to sway public opinion and political discourse [2][4].
Internal documents uncovered by Vanderbilt University reveal that GoLaxy has built detailed data profiles for at least 117 sitting U.S. lawmakers and over 2,000 American political and thought leaders, including thousands of right-wing influencers and journalists [1][2][4]. This allows the company to efficiently track and potentially shape political narratives at an unprecedented speed.
GoLaxy has strong ties to the Chinese government, having been founded by a state-run scientific institution and reportedly having connections with China's Ministry of State Security and national security agencies [2][3]. The firm has also received backing from Sugon, a Chinese supercomputing company blacklisted by the U.S., suggesting a deep connection to state interests.
However, GoLaxy denies any government direction or election interference, claiming it only uses public data for analytics. Yet, the reviewed documents show operations aligned with Beijing’s strategic goals, including influence activities in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and targeting U.S. political figures [1][2][3].
Professor Brett Goldstein from Vanderbilt mentioned that some of the documents refer to the company using DeepSeek technology.
The use of AI in information operations by GoLaxy is a new wrinkle, according to General Paul Nakasone, as China's approach to gray zone conflict and information warfare represents a distinctly Chinese approach to the future [5]. This revelation underscores the need for continued vigilance and investigation into the activities of companies like GoLaxy.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/technology/china-go-laxy-artificial-intelligence-influence.html [2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/04/13/chinese-ai-firm-go-laxy-influence-operations-us-politicians-social-media/ [3] https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us-blacklisted-chinese-supercomputing-firm-backs-ai-startup-linked-chinese-govt-2021-04-13/ [4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2021/04/13/chinese-ai-firm-go-laxy-allegedly-building-database-of-us-politicians-and-influencers-for-influence-operations/?sh=7799867066a9 [5] https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2021/04/chinas-use-ai-information-operations-new-wrinkle-former-nsa-boss-says/171085/
- The Chinese AI company, GoLaxy, is being investigated for its alleged use of artificial-intelligence (AI) to shape U.S. political narratives and influence politicians.
- GoLaxy's "Smart Propaganda System," called GoPro, utilizes AI to generate data profiles and persuasive content in real-time, and monitors vast amounts of data from social media platforms to adjust and sway public opinion and political discourse.
- Internal documents reveal that GoLaxy has built detailed data profiles for numerous U.S. lawmakers, political leaders, and right-wing influencers, allowing the company to efficiently track and potentially shape political narratives at an unprecedented speed.
- Despite denying government direction or election interference, there are indications that GoLaxy has strong ties to the Chinese government and operations aligned with Beijing's strategic goals, leading to concerns about technology security in general-news and crime-and-justice sectors.
