Пентагон готовит ИИ для ведения информационной войны и влияния на мировые аудитории Translation: Pentagon Prepares AI for Information Warfare and Influencing Global Audiences

The United States is set to harness machine learning to create and disseminate propaganda internationally with the intention of «influencing foreign target audiences» and «suppressing opposing arguments.» This information comes from a report by The Intercept, citing a document from the Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

The document includes a sort of «wish list» for upcoming military technologies, which features advanced cameras, sensors, directed energy weapons, and other devices for locating and neutralizing targets. Among the presented technologies is machine learning-based software intended for information warfare.

«The media landscape is evolving too rapidly for the military to effectively engage and influence online audiences. Having a program designed to support our objectives will enable us to control narratives and impact individuals in real-time,» the document states.

SOCOM spokesperson Dan Lessard acknowledged in a conversation with The Intercept that the command is developing «cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities.»

«All tools are being created and utilized under the ‘Responsible AI’ framework of the Department of Defense, which ensures accountability and transparency while requiring human involvement in oversight and decision-making. The Internet operations MISO conducted by SOCOM comply with U.S. laws and policies. They are not aimed at American audiences and are intended to support national security goals amid increasingly complex global challenges,» he stated.

SOCOM believes it is essential to have technologies that can analyze and gather vast amounts of online content to more effectively persuade target audiences or individuals on any issue.

«This program should be able to access profiles, networks, and systems of individuals or groups attempting to counter our messages or discredit them. The information obtained could be used to craft more targeted communications aimed precisely at that person or group,» the document notes.

Previous reports have revealed manipulation of public opinion for political or ideological purposes. In 2024, it was revealed that the Department of Defense conducted a covert anti-vaccine campaign on social media. Its aim was to undermine trust in China’s Covid vaccine—Sinovac-CoronaVac. The World Health Organization recognized it as safe and effective; however, the Pentagon was concerned that the vaccine’s distribution could bring Asian countries closer to a major geopolitical rival.

William Marsellino, a behavioral science expert at the RAND Corporation, stated that propaganda AI systems are being developed out of necessity.

«Regimes like those in China and Russia are running large-scale negative influence campaigns using AI. State-associated groups in China are directly developing extensive AI systems for shaping public opinion. Countering such campaigns will likely require extensive AI responses as well,» he asserted.

It is worth noting that in July, the U.S. Department of Defense allocated contracts worth up to $200 million to companies like Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and xAI for the development of AI solutions in the security sector.