OpenAI says it has identified China-linked actors that used ChatGPT-linked accounts to try to influence public opinion against AI data centers in the United States. According to OpenAI, the activity involved multiple accounts that sought to “exploit and amplify existing public concerns” related to data center expansion, including concerns about electricity prices and local impacts.
Bloomberg reports OpenAI characterized the effort as an attempt to fuel or intensify pushback against data centers, potentially to hinder US competitiveness in artificial intelligence. Al Jazeera similarly reports OpenAI’s view that the accounts aimed to amplify public concerns, noting that the messaging targeted perceptions around energy costs.
The Next Web adds that the accounts posed as Americans and posted AI-generated content about rising electricity costs. OpenAI reportedly nicknamed the effort “Data Center Bandwagon” and said it was likely associated with a private Chinese technology firm working for unknown clients. The outlets report OpenAI’s claims as allegations and do not describe any independent verification of the campaign’s impact or affiliations beyond OpenAI’s assessment.
