2024-08-20 06:37:10
OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research company behind ChatGPT, has discovered that an Iranian group has been using its chatbot to create content aimed at polarizing American voters and influencing the upcoming US election.
The discovery was first reported by the Washington Post.
The Iranian group created multiple social media accounts and sites where it posted articles and opinion pieces generated by ChatGPT on topics including the Gaza war, the Olympics, and the U.S. presidential election. The content often contained misinformation and was critical of both major candidates. Some of the posts appeared on sites that Microsoft had previously identified as being used by Iran to spread disinformation and exacerbate political divisions in the U.S.
OpenAI has since suspended ChatGPT accounts linked to these Iranian activities and reported the matter to relevant social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. The company has identified and removed 12 accounts on X and one on Instagram linked to the operation.
Ben Nimo, a senior researcher at OpenAI’s intelligence and investigations group, told the Washington Post that this is the first time the company has identified such a targeted attempt to influence a U.S. election using its platform. While the Iranian operation appears to have been limited in scope, Nimo stressed the importance of remaining vigilant.
This latest revelation reinforces the growing use of technology by foreign governments to interfere in U.S. elections. Both Microsoft and Google have previously reported similar efforts by Iran to use artificial intelligence and other digital tools to manipulate public opinion.
Websites used by the Iranian group, such as Teorator and Even Politics, posted articles critical of US vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine and Republican nominee Donald Trump, as well as other conservative figures such as Elon Musk.
OpenAI acknowledged that while significant progress has been made in detecting AI-generated content, it is possible that more sophisticated attempts to manipulate public opinion may go undetected.
Despite these concerns, U.S. officials have yet to provide substantial evidence that foreign governments have successfully influenced American voters to change their votes.
Earlier, Cursor wrote that Biden harshly threatened Tehran in light of his threats to Israel.