Chinese communists are attempting to influence U.S. elections with an online spambot campaign that targets Republican lawmakers who have denounced the People’s Republic of China, according to Microsoft.
The latest Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) report details how fake social media accounts operated by a CCP-linked entity have attempted to influence voters in Alabama, Texas and Tennessee with a series of antisemitic posts denigrating Reps. Barry Moore, R-Ala., Michael McCaul, R-Texas and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn. Experts say the influence operation has also targeted Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who is not up for re-election until 2028.
The spambots have “parroted antisemitic messages, amplified accusations of corruption and promoted opposition candidates,” according to Microsoft.
Microsoft identified the group responsible as Taizi Flood, aka “Spamouflage,” which has previously been linked to China’s Ministry of Public Security, researchers said.
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