In a constantly evolving digital world, the battle for truth is increasingly being waged against badbots, these malicious robots that disguise themselves as humans. These entities, often driven by private or state interests, flood social media with false information, thereby disrupting public debate, especially during times of political crises such as elections. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) amplifies this threat, making the detection of these badbots more complex. This article delves into the issues highlighted by this struggle, exploring the role of AI in detecting and neutralizing these disinformation operations.
Understanding badbots and their impact
Badbots are computer programs designed to interact with real users to manipulate public opinion. Often hidden behind fake accounts or email addresses, these massively deployed robots are capable of generating fictitious content, often with the aim of misleading or creating a climate of confusion. During election periods or sensitive events, their influence can be particularly devastating, contributing to the spread of false news and the polarization of opinions.
The role of Viginum in the fight against disinformation
Viginum, the French service responsible for monitoring digital interference, has been fighting for three years against attempts at manipulation by foreign actors. The information flagged by Viginum goes directly to the relevant authorities, including the intelligence community. Within this structure, analysts at the Datalab work tirelessly to identify activities deemed inauthentic on social media, a task that has become more demanding with the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in these disinformation campaigns.
Analysis techniques in the service of detection
In their fight against badbots, specialists at the Datalab have developed advanced methods to detect automated content, even if it is reformulated using sophisticated language models. Signals such as repeated postings at unusual times can alert analysts to the possible presence of bots. This observation underscores the importance of artificial intelligence in exponentially increasing surveillance and analysis capabilities.
Disinformation campaigns and AI
Recently, during the Paris 2024 Olympics, Viginum highlighted a pro-Russian disinformation operation orchestrated through what are commonly referred to as “bot farms.” These infrastructures use artificial intelligence to create and massively disseminate false content credibly. The emergence of new automated techniques, some of which are inspired by AI, allows these bots to interact in a more human-like manner, making detection more difficult and the risk greater.
Cybersecurity challenges
The cybersecurity company Imperva states that the traffic generated by badbots now accounts for a significant portion of global Internet traffic. With nearly 32% of bot traffic deemed malicious, this situation will continue to evolve, leading to an increased need for collaboration between cybersecurity companies and social media providers. The ongoing search for a balance between “good” and “bad” actors is part of this dynamic, paving the way for the fight against a threat that has become ubiquitous.
Consequences for public debate
The proliferation of badbots has significant repercussions for public debate. Disinformation campaigns, whether concerning the U.S. elections, international conflicts, or national political events, fuel a climate of distrust and anger. Studies conducted by experts, including mathematicians from the CNRS, have confirmed that these malicious robots are increasingly manipulating opinions in sophisticated ways, making the struggle for digital truth imperative.
Future challenges in the fight against badbots
As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to reflect on how artificial intelligence could be used both as a tool for disinformation and as a detection mechanism. The adaptability of badbots necessitates a reevaluation of the strategies in place to combat them. In this regard, organizations like Viginum and cybersecurity companies like Imperva play a central role in this fierce battle to preserve the quality of information and public trust in the digital world.
