OpenAI Identifies State-Backed Influence Operations Using AI Models

Why it matters locally: As the seat of the federal government, the District of Columbia is a frequent target for state-backed influence operations, making the disruption of such activities by OpenAI particularly relevant for safeguarding national security and democratic processes that originate here.

OpenAI reported detecting state-backed influence operations from Russia and Iran using its artificial intelligence models. The company stated it identified these activities and subsequently disrupted them. Researchers at OpenAI observed Russian operatives employing the AI chatbot, ChatGPT, for various tasks. These tasks included updating their superiors, according to the company. The findings offer information about influence campaigns previously not attributed to Russia. OpenAI's report indicated that Iranian actors also utilized AI models in their operations. The company did not specify the exact nature of the content generated or the full scope of these campaigns.