Graphika identifies 5 Spamouflage accounts active on X ahead of midterms

Graphika, a New York-based digital network tracking firm, reported on Friday that the China-linked influence campaign known as Spamouflage is active on X ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The analysis indicates that the network is currently posting content designed to question election integrity and the legitimacy of U.S. democracy, mirroring tactics documented during the 2024 presidential cycle.

In its detailed report, Graphika identified specific accounts with a history of Spamouflage activity that are now amplifying MAGA-styled personas. The firm flagged four such accounts alongside a fifth profile with more than 200,000 followers. This latter account presents itself as a Philippine culture blog but currently posts pro-China content and divisive U.S.-focused material. Graphika noted that it could not determine whether this account was hijacked or if the original operator lost control through a sale or other means.

One specific account identified by Graphika appears to have replaced a previously removed Spamouflage-linked profile. This account has posted divisive political content, including attacks on Democratic Party leadership during the U.S. government shutdown in October 2025 and sharp criticism of immigration policy. The firm described the activity as closely resembling the operational patterns observed in prior U.S. elections.

Darren Linvill, co-director of Clemson University’s Watt Family Innovation Center Media Forensics Hub, stated that the network has been tracked for its consistent failure to mimic authentic American voices. Linvill said, “Spamouflage is famously bad at mimicking real Americans. It’s outside their wheelhouse.” He added that there is “no chance it tips the balance in any real political conversation.”

Linvill argued that the network’s primary effectiveness lies in information suppression rather than persuasion. He noted that accounts linked to the influence operation frequently attack and harass members of the Chinese diaspora community. This activity is part of a wider effort by Beijing to silence views it dislikes, according to Linvill.

Intelligence and national security officials have long warned that Russia, China, and Iran run online influence operations targeting U.S. voters. Observers have noted that China’s strategy differs from Russian efforts, as it has focused on undermining general confidence in elections and voting systems rather than supporting a specific presidential candidate. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Graphika blog emphasized that the current activity aligns with long-standing warnings about foreign interference in U.S. electoral processes. The report serves as a technical assessment of the network’s current state, identifying specific account behaviors and content themes without assigning a final verdict on their electoral impact.