A recent investigation by local cybersecurity firm CyberCX has revealed a substantial information warfare campaign involving at least 5,000 AI-operated social media accounts. Dubbed the Green Cicada Network, this operation is suspected to be orchestrated by a Chinese AI company linked to Beijing’s intelligence apparatus.
CyberCX’s new report highlights that the Green Cicada Network primarily targets politically charged narratives on the social media platform X, but has also engaged with content related to Australia and other democratic nations. The report indicates that the network is controlled by an artificial intelligence Large Language Model (LLM)-based system, potentially linked to an individual from Tsinghua University, known for its ties with the People’s Liberation Army.
“The Green Cicada Network is a concerning development, as it aims to deepen political polarization by amplifying divisive content,” said Katherine Mansted, a spokesperson for CyberCX. “Although currently relatively ineffective, its capability to conduct harmful activities in the future is significant.”
The network’s activities predominantly focus on U.S. political issues, but have also touched on Australian political discourse, including debates on migration, housing, and foreign policy. Researchers have noted that the network is designed to disrupt democratic discourse rather than support specific political factions.
The Green Cicada Network has been observed increasing its activity since July 2024, and its large scale—up to 8,000 unauthentic accounts—makes it one of the most significant China-related information operations exposed to date. The use of generative AI in this context represents a new level of sophistication in information warfare.
“The potential for these AI-driven accounts to amplify polarizing content and undermine trust in democratic institutions is substantial,” the report concludes. Analysis has also shown that these accounts frequently interacted with X’s owner, Elon Musk, raising further concerns about their reach and influence.
The Australian government, along with international partners, is closely monitoring the situation, following recent allegations of cyber espionage linked to Chinese entities. The findings underscore the growing need for vigilance and robust countermeasures against foreign influence in democratic processes.
