OpenAI shuts down Russian and Iranian propaganda networks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 01:55 · Archive

OpenAI has shut down Russian and Iranian influence operations that used ChatGPT to create fake journalists and spread anti-Ukraine propaganda.

OpenAI has shut down Russian and Iranian influence operations that exploited its ChatGPT tool to conduct propaganda campaigns. The Iranian operation used seven fake profiles, each posing as journalists from Western countries including the United States, to plant lengthy articles in media outlets around the world. OpenAI identified nearly 100 articles published or syndicated under these false bylines across roughly a dozen online outlets, generally focused on international affairs, geopolitics and events in the Middle East.

The earliest article identified was published in July 2025, with the latest in October 2026. Frequency of reports increased after the US-Iran war broke out earlier this year. The operation also generated social media comments on topics related to the US-Iran war. NPR reports that Russian operatives also used ChatGPT to update their superiors, shedding light on influence campaigns previously not attributed to Russia.

OpenAI said it banned clusters of ChatGPT accounts from both countries that were used to support 'false front' entities for geopolitical and conflict-related messaging. The discovery illustrates how state actors can exploit widely available AI tools to spread sophisticated propaganda on a mass scale.

How it is being reported

• OpenAI caught Russians and Iranians using ChatGPT for influence campaignsThe company says Russian operatives used its AI chatbot to update their bosses, shedding light on influence campaigns previously not attributed to Russia.NPR · 9 Oct, 01:25
• OpenAI bans Russian, Iranian ChatGPT propaganda networksOpenAI said Thursday it shut down Russian and Iranian influence operations that used ChatGPT to create fake journalist personas and support a purported think tank spreading anti-Ukraine propaganda. The Iranian operation involved seven profiles posing as Western journalists to place lengthy articles in media outlets worldwide, the AI company said.France 24 · 9 Oct, 00:42

In this story: OpenAI · Russia · Iran · Ukraine · United States · ChatGPT

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