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.
“We know that the [Chinese Communist Party] is antisemitic, so it isn't surprising that they are targeting me and other politicians who support Israel to try to sow division in advance of the most important election in our lifetime,” Moore said. “China has made it clear they will use every weapon in their arsenal, including offensive cyber capabilities, to try and destroy democracy across the world."
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the United States claimed the accusations were "malicious speculations" and that China has no intention of interfering in the U.S. election.
Related Story: FBI Disrupts Botnet Run by Chinese Hackers Who Hijacked Over 200,000 Devices in U.S.
