China, Iran tap AI to influence U.S. election, experts warn

Fake news sites and 'spamouflage' attempt to sway opinion ahead of vote

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Nio Thinker, presented as a progressive news and opinion site, frequently bashes Donald Trump in its pieces. (Screenshot from Nio Thinker site) 

RYOTARO YAMADA, Nikkei staff writer

PALO ALTO, California -- Deceptive online actors from Iran and China are trying to manipulate U.S. public opinion ahead of the presidential election, using artificial intelligence to craft appeals that sound more natural to the American audience, experts warn.

A website called Nio Thinker often posts articles on the November election that are harshly critical of Republican candidate Donald Trump. One essay uses terms such as "raving mad litigiosaur" and "opioid-filled elephant."

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