AI as a Tool of Disinformation in the International Arena

In the 21st century, information has become a strategic asset, fueling competition between governments and non-government bodies. As societies rely more on technology, manipulating information has become a weapon in international conflicts. This research will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI), depending on its development and purpose, can be used to spread disinformation and amplify the influence of specific actors globally. The rise of hacktivist groups like Anonymous and increased utilization of the Internet and cyber resources by government agents highlight this issue. With advanced programming skills, these groups can exploit vulnerabilities in large language models (LLMs) to create and disseminate false narratives. This dual capacity for cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns magnifies their global impact. Moving beyond the debate of AI being good or evil, this article examines the real threat posed by accessible AI technologies to local and global information ecosystems. It analyzes how AI, despite its developers’ good intentions, can be misused to disrupt the flow of truthful information. The research also explores potential countermeasures and proactive approaches to mitigate AI-driven disinformation campaigns. This paper scrutinizes real-world cases and their implications to shed light on the complex interplay between AI, government, hacktivist groups, and disinformation in the international arena. This analysis will provide valuable insights for policymakers, security experts, and technologists to better prepare for and address the multifaceted challenges posed by AI as a disinformation tool.