An information warfare network known as “Green Cicada” has been discovered on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). 

The Green Cicada network, which is linked to a Chinese university and an artificial intelligence (AI) company, has raised concern over its potential to interfere in the upcoming United States presidential election.

Local cybersecurity firm CyberCX reports that the network comprises at least 5,000 AI-controlled accounts, making it one of the largest of its kind ever documented. 

The operation is believed to be orchestrated by an AI large language model (LLM) system, primarily engaging with polarising narratives within the United States, although it has also interacted with political discourse in Australia, the United Kingdom, and other democracies.

The Green Cicada network is thought to have been developed by an employee of a Beijing-based AI company who previously studied at Tsinghua University. 

This university is known for its connections with the People's Liberation Army and Chinese intelligence services.

Despite the network's current limited effectiveness, CyberCX warns of its potential to evolve into a more formidable tool. 

“While the information operation capability is currently relatively ineffective, we assess it could be leveraged to conduct harmful activities in future,” CyberCX stated in its report. 

The report further indicates that the network has sharply increased its activities since July 2024, suggesting a possible escalation in the lead-up to the US election.

CyberCX's findings have been shared with various government agencies, highlighting the network's potential to disrupt democratic processes. 

The report noted that the network is not focused on supporting any particular political side but rather on deepening societal divisions. 

“Here we have a fake network that is infiltrating our democratic discourse... trying to deepen division and polarisation,” said CyberCX spokesperson Katherine Mansted.

While the Green Cicada network has been primarily active on US issues, it has also amplified content related to hot-button topics in Australia and other democracies. 

In Australia, the network has engaged with discussions on nuclear energy, migration, and foreign policy, among other issues.

The discovery of this network follows recent accusations by Australia and its regional partners against a Chinese spy agency for cyber espionage, intensifying concerns about foreign interference in democratic processes.

CyberCX is calling for increased vigilance against such threats, urging organisations to update their threat models to account for the malicious use of generative AI. 

The company also criticised X for its apparent gaps in detecting and responding to disinformation, stressing the need for tech platforms to take proactive measures against the exploitation of AI in information operations.