Key facts
- OpenAI identified two clusters of ChatGPT accounts likely originating from China.
- These accounts allegedly generated content critical of US data center development and AI policy.
- The operators allegedly instructed the AI model to exclude references to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- OpenAI banned the accounts and linked them to social media activity.
- Chinese officials denied the allegations and stated China advocates for AI to be a force for good.
OpenAI disclosed on Wednesday that influence operators, believed to be based in China, utilized ChatGPT accounts to disseminate specific narratives concerning debates around American artificial intelligence and technology policy. The AI firm's report detailed two clusters of ChatGPT accounts, "likely originating" from China. One cluster allegedly produced social media comments and images suggesting that the expansion of data centers was increasing electricity costs for US families. The second cluster reportedly posted negative comments and images asserting that tariffs are "attempts to dominate technological competition." These prompts also allegedly instructed the AI model to avoid mentioning Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing instead on President Trump. Additionally, the operators reportedly targeted OpenAI itself with accusations of compromised user data. OpenAI stated it linked multiple social media accounts to these clusters and subsequently banned the ChatGPT accounts. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, when contacted, stated they were unfamiliar with the specific allegations but "firmly oppose any groundless attacks or smears against China." The report emerges amid growing speculation in Washington about the potential impact of Chinese operators on the ongoing US discourse regarding AI and the substantial data centers required for its development. In recent weeks, various claims have surfaced regarding the alleged involvement of Chinese influence operators in a broader backlash against data centers at federal, state, and local levels, though the extent of their activity remains unclear. Investor Kevin O'Leary noted a significant increase in social media messages concerning his Utah data center project, with his team tracing some messages to suspicious IP addresses and suspected bot activity. Officials from the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers have also raised concerns or sought more information on these claims. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum commented that "any place that’s trying to build data centers is getting bombarded with foreign-directed propaganda to try to block these from being built." Representatives Brett Guthrie, John John Joyce, and Bob Latta sent a letter to the FBI and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) requesting information on evidence suggesting foreign influence campaigns. The letter stated, "The fact that Chinese Communist Party-backed entities and other foreign adversaries may be attempting to influence decisions related to American data center infrastructure puts into perspective how serious of a fight we are in." The Chinese embassy spokesperson also conveyed that China supports a people-centered approach to AI and advocates for openness and inclusiveness, promoting its Global AI Governance Initiative.