Jakarta:OpenAI announced that it has banned accounts associated with influence operations from Russia and Iran that utilized its AI tools to sway public opinion internationally.

According to Anadolu Agency, The operations reportedly combined artificial intelligence with traditional strategies to disseminate geopolitical messages using seemingly legitimate platforms and fabricated journalist personas. The Russian-linked campaign focused on Latin America, while the Iran-linked operation used fake journalist profiles to pitch articles to online publications.

OpenAI revealed that these operations closely resembled pre-AI age influence campaigns but utilized AI to streamline processes. The company banned clusters of ChatGPT accounts linked to both operations and informed relevant authorities.

The Iran-linked operation involved seven fake journalist identities pitching articles that covered international affairs and geopolitics. Nearly 100 articles were published under these bylines across multiple outlets, with activity increasing after the US-Iran conflict began.

Operators used ChatGPT to refine articles, check submission requirements, and pitch stories. The fake profiles claimed expertise in international politics and human rights, generating social media comments that portrayed the US negatively and Iran positively. However, these comments saw little public engagement.

The Russian-linked operation targeted audiences in Latin America, attempting to undermine Ukraine's reputation and influence politics in Argentina and Bolivia. It allegedly operated through a platform called the Social Research Center, controlled by Russian operators via a persona named 'Mia Clark.'

Employees in Latin America reportedly unaware of the Russian link, conducted interviews and produced research papers in good faith. The operation aimed to spread fabricated stories and audio recordings against Ukraine and regional political figures, although not all claims could be corroborated.

OpenAI noted that both operations placed content in media outlets, potentially expanding their reach. The company published its findings to aid in identifying and disrupting similar influence campaigns.