Technology
X identifies Chinese bot network targeting U.S. AI and energy policy debates
The social media platform suspended accounts using AI-generated content to highlight grid strain and rising electricity costs.
The short version
- X's Safety team uncovered a network of 200,000 China-linked accounts, with at least 200 engaged in coordinated posts about U.S. AI data centers.
- The targeted posts utilized text, comic strips, and AI-generated imagery arguing that data centers increase residential power bills and strain electrical grids.
- The accounts reportedly used OpenAI tools to produce the campaign materials, echoing similar findings reported by OpenAI in June.
- X did not detail the activity or focus of the remaining accounts in the 200,000-account network.
Key facts
- X discovered a network of 200,000 inauthentic China-linked accounts during an investigation by its Safety team.[Engadget]
- X reported that 200 accounts in the network posted content aimed at manipulating U.S. public debate regarding AI and energy policy.[Engadget]
- The posts contained text and AI-generated cartoons depicting data center operators profiting while local residents faced higher electricity bills and grid strain.[Engadget]
- OpenAI reported in June 2026 that China-based users used ChatGPT to generate anti-data center content, political insults, and criticisms of U.S. tariffs.[Engadget]
- X stated that it suspended accounts found to be violating its authenticity policies.[Engadget]