Technology
Platform X identifies suspected Chinese bot network targeting US AI and energy policies
The social media platform reported detecting approximately 200,000 inauthentic accounts, including a subset pushing anti-data center narratives.
The short version
- X's safety team uncovered a suspected Chinese bot farm of around 200,000 inauthentic accounts engaged in online influence operations in the United States.
- A subset of 200 accounts focused specifically on manipulating public debate regarding U.S. artificial intelligence and energy policies.
- The operation utilized AI-generated cartoons and posts to argue that data centers drive up household electricity prices and strain the power grid.
Key facts
- Social media platform X announced its safety team identified a suspected Chinese bot farm consisting of roughly 200,000 inauthentic accounts.[Fox News]
- Within the wider network, 200 accounts were found posting content designed to manipulate debate over U.S. AI and energy policy.[Fox News]
- The identified accounts posted AI-generated cartoons and messages alleging that data centers increase electricity demand, strain the grid, and raise household utility costs.[Fox News]
- OpenAI previously banned a cluster of ChatGPT accounts originating from China that were similarly generating covert influence content targeting U.S. audiences on AI data center costs.[Fox News]