OpenAI says China launched influence campaign to shape US attitudes on AI data centers
OpenAI's research indicates that China likely conducted an online influence operation using ChatGPT to shape U.S. perceptions of AI technology and the associated data center infrastructure. The campaign aimed to influence policy debates in Washington, although OpenAI has not found evidence of widespread success in altering public opinion.
Research published Wednesday by OpenAI suggests that China was likely behind an online influence operation. This campaign aimed to sway U.S. public perceptions of artificial intelligence technology and influence the ongoing debate in Washington regarding the necessary infrastructure to support AI.
OpenAI identified this influence campaign because China-backed operatives utilized ChatGPT to generate content for their social media activities. This highlights a new dimension in state-sponsored influence operations, leveraging advanced AI tools for content creation.
These findings are expected to bolster claims made by Republicans and other pro-AI advocates who allege that foreign entities have attempted to interfere in the contentious policy discussions surrounding AI data centers. However, Ben Nimmo, principal investigator of intelligence and investigations at OpenAI, noted that the company has not observed evidence that these campaigns successfully influenced public opinion on a broad scale.