China Used AI Chatbots for Secret Influence

OpenAI has disrupted a network of surreptitious influence operations originating from China and other unnamed nations, revealing a concerning trend of foreign actors attempting to manipulate global public opinion through the use of artificial intelligence. The company detailed that operatives were not only leveraging chatbots to disseminate potentially biased information, but in at least one instance, were also utilizing the tools to fabricate internal performance reports – suggesting an effort to both influence external perceptions and mask the operation’s activities. This represents a significant escalation in the potential for AI-driven disinformation campaigns, moving beyond simple content generation to active deception and internal subversion. The fact that these actors attempted to manipulate internal reporting highlights a sophisticated understanding of how to exploit trust and potentially gain further access or influence. OpenAI’s intervention underscores the urgent need for robust safeguards against the misuse of AI technologies and increased vigilance regarding foreign interference in information ecosystems. It’s a clear indication that the threat isn’t just about what AI can say, but who is controlling the narrative and to what end.