Chinese influence operation targets U.S. down-ballot races, Microsoft says

An army of Chinese-controlled social media bots is attempting to influence voters in Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee while denigrating Republican lawmakers like Sen. Marco Rubio, according to research published by Microsoft. The bots are spreading antisemitic messages, accusations of corruption, and promoting opposition candidates. The group responsible, known as Taizi Flood, has been associated with China’s Public Security Ministry. The targeted lawmakers have historically criticized Chinese government policies. The Chinese Embassy denies interference in the U.S. election. The bots targeted Moore, McCaul, Blackburn, and Rubio with false claims and criticism. The lawmakers see this as a badge of honor for standing up to China. The federal government is working to defend the election from foreign influence.