OpenAI has banned two clusters of ChatGPT accounts originating from China that were used for covert influence campaigns targeting US tech and policy debates. The campaigns aimed to manipulate discussions on AI data centers and US tariffs, but generated little authentic engagement.
OpenAI's report details two Chinese-backed influence campaigns using ChatGPT to sway US opinions on AI data centers and US policies. The campaigns, targeting both Americans and Chinese diaspora, failed to gain significant traction but highlight attempts to covertly influence online debates.
OpenAI reported that Chinese propagandists attempted to use its ChatGPT chatbot to generate opposition to Donald Trump's tariffs and influence debates on data centers and AI. The campaign, active in late 2025 and early 2026, had minimal impact but highlights AI's role in digital influence.
OpenAI identified Chinese influence campaigns using AI to generate social media content against US data centers, promoting narratives about rising costs and Trump's trade policies. While the campaigns lacked significant engagement, they reveal China's testing of influence tactics.
