Microsoft on Wednesday revealed that a group of Chinese controlled social media bots are attempting to influence the United States elections by targeting Republican lawmakers.
The bots were discovered during a study from Microsoft, and comes as the United States intelligence community warns of increased interference from Russia, China and Iran surrounding U.S. elections. The IC said Iran is trying to stoke discord and undermine confidence in the electoral process, and that China and Russia are trying to “exacerbate” division.
The bots are operated by the Chinese group Taizi Flood, which has been associated in the past with China’s Ministry of Public Security. They have targeted Alabama Rep. Barry Moore, Texas Rep. Michael McCaul, Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, all Republicans, Reuters reported.
The fake accounts have all “parroted antisemitic messages, amplified accusations of corruption and promoted opposition candidates,” according to Microsoft. All of the lawmakers were targeted because they had all denounced Chinese government policies in the past.
Moore was targeted because of his support for Israel. The messages attacking him used antisemitic language. McCaul was accused of engaging in insider trading, Blackburn was accused of taking money from pharmaceutical companies, and Rubio was allegedly part of a financial corruption scheme. […]
— Read More: justthenews.com
