Iranian influence campaign planted about 100 AI-generated articles in US news outlets, OpenAI says
An influence campaign operated by ChatGPT users in Iran placed roughly 100 AI-generated articles under fake bylines across at least 20 news outlets
OpenAI said the operation used its chatbot to generate articles, many criticizing the impact of U.S. military action against Iran on Americans, before tailoring submissions to individual publications.
The Washington Post identified articles published under the purported byline Ervin Hoskins in outlets including the Port St. Joe Star, Daily Kos and Middle East Monitor. OpenAI identified seven purported authors associated with the campaign.
The company said the operation appeared consistent with a commercial influence-for-hire effort, but it could not identify the specific individuals or organization responsible.
“The overall activity appeared consistent with a commercial actor running a for-hire influence campaign, but we are unable to identify the particular actor involved,” OpenAI said in its report.
OpenAI said it banned the accounts involved and shared its findings with relevant authorities. Daily Kos and Middle East Monitor told The Washington Post they removed articles associated with the fake bylines.
