Report: China Fuels Anti-AI, Data Center Propaganda in US
A new report by the Bitcoin Policy Institute alleges that China is fueling anti-AI and anti-data center propaganda in the US to hinder American progress. This is achieved through foreign state media and US-based nonprofits, while China simultaneously accelerates its own AI and data center development. The report aims to bring transparency to foreign influences impacting public opinion and policy regarding data centers in the US.
A new report from the Bitcoin Policy Institute, a non-partisan think tank based in Washington, claims that much of the pushback against artificial intelligence (AI) and data center development in the United States is influenced by foreign entities, particularly China. Sam Lyman, head of research at the Institute and author of the report, detailed three "influence vectors": English-language foreign state media like the China Global Television Network actively campaigning against US data center construction; and a network of US-based nonprofits and media outlets allegedly funded by American businessman Neville Singham (described as a CCP ally), the 1630 Fund, and the Oak Foundation.
Lyman emphasized that the report's purpose is not to dismiss legitimate concerns about AI and data centers from US citizens, but to provide transparency into foreign influences on public policy and opinion. He cited observations of social media accounts promoting anti-data center sentiment with East Asian geolocations, and explained how China uses US-based nonprofits as "gain-of-function" for propaganda, amplifying anti-data center misinformation into local communities in states like Utah, Idaho, and Georgia.
The report highlights a stark contrast in China's messaging: while its propaganda outlets in the US, like China Daily and Global Times, magnify concerns about data centers exacerbating water consumption and electricity prices, these same outlets celebrate new data center construction and AI advancements domestically. This disparity is also reflected in public trust, with Edelman polls showing 87% of Chinese citizens trust AI compared to 32% of Americans, and 54% of Chinese citizens wanting to embrace AI versus 17% of Americans.
Addressing the need to balance citizen protection with winning the AI race, Lyman noted that the US administration is actively working to address concerns. He mentioned the Trump administration's "ratepayer protection pledge," which several large US AI companies have signed, committing to keep electricity and water prices stable in communities where they build data centers. Lyman stressed the importance of educating Americans about why winning the AI race is crucial for maintaining freedom of expression and individual rights, contrasting it with China's censorship and ethical track record.