OpenAI released a report revealing that fake accounts linked to China have been using ChatGPT to campaign against data centers in the United States. The effort appears aimed at turning American public opinion against new data center developments, according to the company.
The campaign represents a novel twist on disinformation tactics, leveraging AI tools rather than just human-operated bots. OpenAI characterized the activity as an influence operation targeting energy and infrastructure debates.
Details from the report show that the fake accounts produced content opposing data centers, which are crucial for AI and cloud computing infrastructure. The exact scope and reach of the campaign were not disclosed.
The revelation underscores growing geopolitical tensions around AI infrastructure, with data centers becoming a strategic asset. OpenAI's findings suggest adversaries view public opposition as a lever to slow Western tech expansion.
Experts caution that disinformation using generative AI is increasingly difficult to detect and could become more common as such tools are weaponized.