OpenAI revealed Russian and Iranian influence operations that planted fake stories in real news outlets, according to its investigation report. The Iranian operation, 'Bogus Bylines,' used seven fake journalists to place nearly 100 articles about the US-Iran conflict in online outlets worldwide.
The Russian operation, 'Dark Clark,' spread disinformation across Latin America to discredit Ukraine and destabilize local politics. The actors controlled a think tank through a fictitious persona and likely roped in local staffers without their knowledge.
Fabricated audio files and documents triggered fact-checks and official denials in Ecuador and Peru. OpenAI rates this operation category 5 out of 6 on the Breakout Scale because politicians reacted to the content, making it the first category 5 case in two and a half years of reporting.
"Both operations used AI mainly for internal reporting and to adapt propaganda to different languages," said OpenAI. The company emphasized that the AI tools were used for internal processes rather than direct public dissemination.
The announcement follows previous discoveries of Russian campaigns built on social media and fake think tanks. OpenAI's findings highlight the evolving tactics of influence operations in the digital age.
OpenAI did not say how the fake stories were detected, and the open question remains about the extent of the operations' impact. The company noted that the investigation is ongoing and further details may emerge.
Source: thedecoder
