OpenAI has identified and blocked accounts linked to influence operations originating from Russia and Iran. The company reports that these actors utilized artificial intelligence to generate content and adapt propaganda for various languages, rather than relying on traditional social media campaigns.
The Russian campaign, dubbed Dark Clark, targeted Latin America to undermine support for Ukraine. It involved the creation of a fictitious think tank and the distribution of fabricated audio and documents. OpenAI assigned this operation a 5 out of 6 on its Breakout Scale, noting that local political figures in Ecuador and Peru responded to the disinformation.
The Iranian operation, known as Bogus Bylines, employed seven fake journalists to place nearly 100 articles in international online media outlets. These stories focused on the conflict between the United States and Iran. While the group also generated social media comments, these efforts failed to gain significant engagement or traction.
