On Friday,, OpenAI revealed that it had identified and shut down accounts associated with an Iranian group that was utilizing its ChatGPT chatbot to create content aimed at influencing the U.S. presidential election and other significant issues.
ChatGPT Used for Election Meddling
The operation, known as Storm-2035,, made use of ChatGPT to produce content centered around various subjects, including opinions on the U.S. election candidates, the ongoing Gaza conflict, and Israel's involvement in the Olympic Games.
While the AI-generated materials were distributed through social media accounts and websites, they were primarily targeted at both progressive and conservative audiences to exacerbate existing political and social disparities.
Despite these efforts, OpenAI clarified that the operation failed to garner significant audience engagement, with most social media posts receiving minimal likes, shares, or comments, indicating a limited impact.
Similar to OpenAI's findings, Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center also reported instances of Iranian government-linked groups employing various online strategies to interfere in the U.S. presidential election, including the creation of four fake American news websites.
AI Tools for Disinformation
The growing trend of using AI tools, such as ChatGPT, for generating and disseminating disinformation was evident in Storm-2035's activities. The operation generated extensive articles and social media remarks catering to both ends of the political spectrum, covering contentious topics like LGBTQ rights and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Furthermore, the AI-generated content also delved into unrelated areas like fashion and beauty posts, possibly in an attempt to appear more authentic or attract a wider following.
This revelation comes on the heels of reports detailing Iranian hackers targeting the Trump and Biden-Harris campaigns through phishing attempts, underscoring the evolving landscape of foreign influence operations leveraging advanced AI technologies.
Growing Threat of AI-Driven Disinformation
With the November election drawing near, the potential for AI-powered disinformation campaigns to proliferate is anticipated to increase. The speed at which AI can produce and distribute content poses significant challenges to election security and the democratic process's integrity.
OpenAI's swift intervention in identifying and dismantling Storm-2035 highlights the necessity for vigilance in combating such threats. While the immediate impact of the operation appears contained, it serves as a crucial indicator of AI's susceptibility to exploitation in future disinformation endeavors.
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