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AI Bots and Foreign Actors Target Australian Politics

The Daily Telegraph

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AI bots and paid foreign digital influencers have been blamed for a “highly unusual” surge in aggressive political posts, with MPs warning the practice is intensifying ahead of the election.

Summary

Australian Members of Parliament are raising alarms regarding a highly unusual surge in aggressive political content driven by AI bots and paid foreign influencers. This trend highlights the growing capability of automated systems to manipulate public discourse and destabilize democratic processes ahead of major elections. The phenomenon represents a localized instance of broader AI safety concerns related to the misuse of large-scale language models for disinformation and the erosion of cognitive security. Such developments underscore the urgent need for Australian governance frameworks to address the sociotechnical risks posed by frontier influence operations.

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AI bots and foreign actors target Australian politicsAI bots and paid foreign digital influencers have been blamed for a “highly unusual” surge in aggressive political posts, with MPs warning the practice is intensifying ahead of the election. All your news for a great price Unlock this story and more with your subscription Full Digital Access What’s included Unlimited articles on app & web Subscriber-exclusive newsletters A digital version of Today’s Paper A refreshed puzzle experience SuperCoach Plus stats & analysis while playing Pay As You Go No lock-in contract $4 for 4 weeksThen $32 charged every 4 weeks.* *Read the fine print Full Digital Access $4 charged for a duration of 4 weeks, after which it automatically renews at $32 charged every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details.See www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Plan Lock in and save $128 over 12 months^ $5 a week for 12 months($260 min. cost) charged as $20 every 4 weeks. Then $20 charged every 4 weeks.* ^Discount calculated in comparison to the Pay As You Go Offer on this page. *Read the fine print Full Digital Access 12 Month Plan costs $260 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $20 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $20 (min. cost) every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Subscribe Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions Student Subscription Verified journalism. Expert analysis. Study smarter and stay informed with a student subscription View offer View offer Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.