Pentagon to Employ AI for Propaganda Dissemination

US to use AI for foreign propaganda, influencing audiences and suppressing opposition.

The United States plans to use machine learning to create and disseminate propaganda abroad, aiming to “influence foreign target audiences” and “suppress opposing arguments.” This is reported by The Intercept, citing a document from the Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

The document serves as a “wish list” for future military technologies, including the latest cameras, sensors, directed energy weapons, and other devices for targeting and destruction. Among these technologies is machine learning software designed for information warfare.

“The media environment is changing too quickly for the military to properly engage and influence online audiences. Having a program designed to support our goals will allow us to control narratives and influence people in real-time,” the document states.

SOCOM representative Dan Lessard told The Intercept that the command is developing “advanced AI-based capabilities.”

“All tools are created and applied within the framework of the Department of Defense’s ‘Responsible AI’ concept, which ensures accountability and transparency and requires human involvement in control and decision-making. Internet operations MISO conducted by SOCOM comply with US laws and policies. They are not aimed at the American public and are intended to support national security goals amid increasingly complex global challenges,” he said.

SOCOM deems it necessary to have technologies that will analyze and collect vast amounts of internet content to more effectively persuade target audiences or individuals on any issue.

“This program should be able to access the profiles, networks, and systems of individuals or groups attempting to counter or discredit our messages. The information obtained can be used to create more targeted messages to influence that person or group,” the document notes.

There have been previous instances of manipulating civilian 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 goal was to undermine trust in the Chinese Covid vaccine, Sinovac-CoronaVac. The World Health Organization recognized it as safe and effective, but the Pentagon feared that the spread of the vaccine might bring Asian countries closer to a major geopolitical rival.

Behavioral science expert at RAND Corporation, William Marcellino, stated that AI propaganda systems are being developed out of necessity.

“Regimes such as China and Russia are conducting large-scale negative influence campaigns using AI. State-affiliated groups in China are directly developing large-scale AI systems for public opinion warfare. Countering such campaigns will likely also require large-scale AI responses,” he said.

Back in July, the US Department of Defense awarded contracts worth up to $200 million to Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and xAI for developing AI solutions in the security sector.