Introduction to Russian AI Exploitation for Influence Operations

This chapter introduces how Russia exploits artificial intelligence (AI) applications for influence operations and highlights the implications of the use of AI for influence operations. There are many indications of Russia increasingly exploiting AI for influence operations—from the use of ChatGPT for message design to the distribution of narratives at scale. This chapter starts with defining AI-enabled influence operations and initially describes how AI-enabled applications affect influence operations. Following is a description of the changes in capabilities that AI brings to Russian military influence operations. The report then describes how Russia is using AI for influence operations and why Russia is using AI capabilities for this capability. Based on the analysis of several examples of Russian AI-enabled influence operations, major implications of AI exploitation for influence operations are then described. Finally, the report closes with thoughts on the effectiveness of Russian AI exploitation for influence operations as well as how to detect AI-generated influence operations. This chapter is designed to give an initial overview of how Russian AI-enabled applications are revolutionizing influence operations capabilities and what this means for defence.