Chinese state-linked influence operation Spamouflage has escalated its efforts to manipulate American political discourse as the 2024 U.S. presidential election draws closer. The group, known for impersonating American citizens on social media, has been spreading divisive narratives on sensitive social issues.
According to intelligence reports from Graphika’s ATLAS, researchers have identified 15 Spamouflage accounts on the social media platform X and one on TikTok. These accounts pose as U.S. citizens or advocates for peace, human rights, and information integrity, using symbols like the American flag in their profiles and hashtags related to the U.S. in their posts. Some accounts claim to be American voters, soldiers, or patriotic individuals disappointed with the U.S. government.
Leading up to the 2024 election, these accounts have been promoting content that criticizes both Democratic and Republican candidates, questions the legitimacy of the U.S. electoral process, and spreads discord on issues like gun control, homelessness, drug abuse, racial inequality, and international conflicts. The content often targets President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite their efforts to appear authentic, the Spamouflage accounts exhibit traits typical of their operation, such as discrepancies in bio information and the use of stock images as profile pictures. While these accounts have struggled to gain traction in genuine online communities, one TikTok account managed to attract 1.5 million views with a video posted in July 2023.
The recent report builds on previous research by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), which uncovered Spamouflage accounts posing as Trump supporters earlier this year. The researchers believe that Spamouflage and other Chinese influence operations will continue to try to influence U.S. political discussions during the 2024 election, aiming to exploit social divisions to undermine the perception of U.S. leadership.
Spamouflage, also known by other aliases like Dragonbridge and Taizi Flood, has been active since 2019, operating on over 40 online platforms to promote pro-China and anti-Western narratives. Over the years, Spamouflage has evolved its tactics, using multiple languages, experimenting with personas, and employing AI tools to create content. The operation has become more aggressive in attempting to sway online discourse about U.S. politics.
Since 2020, Spamouflage has increasingly criticized the U.S. political system and policies, transitioning to engage directly with election-related topics by 2022. The operation has been intensifying its efforts since mid-2023, spreading content that undermines U.S. election candidates and fosters doubt about the electoral process.
In addition to Spamouflage, other China-linked actors have been conducting influence campaigns. Recently, an AI-driven network on a social media platform was found to be amplifying divisive content in support of Chinese interests.
Overall, as the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, the threat of foreign influence operations manipulating American political discourse remains a significant concern. The efforts of groups like Spamouflage underscore the need for vigilance and critical evaluation of information shared on social media platforms.