OpenAI has banned accounts linked to propaganda campaigns from Russia and Iran that utilized ChatGPT to generate fake personas and content.
Key facts
- •OpenAI identified and banned clusters of ChatGPT accounts used by state-linked actors in Russia and Iran.
- •The Iranian operation published or syndicated nearly 100 articles across approximately a dozen international media outlets.
- •The Russian-led Social Research Center in Latin America utilized co-opted staff to produce content targeting Ukraine's reputation.
- •OpenAI stated the Russian operation was the most complex attempt to run a front identity it has disrupted in over two years.
- •The Iranian campaign's output frequency rose significantly after the start of the US-Iran war.
OpenAI announced on Thursday that it dismantled two separate influence operations originating from Russia and Iran. The company stated these groups used its AI models to create fake journalist personas and front organizations to spread geopolitical propaganda, marking the most significant reach the company has recorded for such schemes to date.
Iranian Propaganda Campaign
The Iranian operation utilized seven fake journalist profiles, including one persona named Ervin B. Hoskins, who claimed to be an American freelance writer. These accounts were used to plant nearly 100 long-form articles in international media outlets, with activity increasing following the outbreak of the US-Iran war earlier this year. OpenAI noted that the operation also generated social media commentary regarding the conflict.
Russian Think-Tank Operation
The Russian-linked campaign involved the creation of a front organization called the Social Research Center (SRC) in Latin America. OpenAI reported that the operation co-opted local staff who were likely unaware they were working for a Russian group. The SRC produced original content aimed at undermining Ukraine's reputation and influencing regional politics, representing the most complex front identity the company has disrupted in two and a half years.
Timeline
- July 2025The earliest article identified by OpenAI as part of the Iranian operation was published.
- Early 2026The US-Iran war broke out, leading to an increase in the frequency of reports from the Iranian operation.
- October 2026The latest article identified by OpenAI as part of the Iranian operation was published.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Hill, Al-Monitor.
