Chinese university builds "synthetic population" for shaping foreign propaganda (www.aspistrategist.org.au)

Researchers at Sun Yat-sen University in China have developed an advanced AI system called Huanyu Zhiying 1.0, aimed at refining the country’s foreign propaganda efforts. By creating a "synthetic population" of over 10,000 simulated user profiles that encompass diverse cultural and political backgrounds from 18 countries, this AI tool models how foreign audiences might respond to various events and messages. The system is designed not only to predict these reactions but also to guide China's responses accordingly, optimizing communication strategies in a targeted manner. This initiative underscores the growing sophistication of state-backed AI applications in shaping public opinion. By leveraging data from surveys like The World Looks at China and international social media, Huanyu Zhiying simulates audience perceptions and feedback on fabricated news articles. Its potential lies in transforming traditional propaganda methods into a nuanced, data-driven approach to influence operations. Although still labeled as an interim research result with no formal validation, this project could mark a significant shift in how governments utilize AI to engage with international narratives and steer public sentiment.