China likely behind anti-data center campaign in US: OpenAI

OpenAI reported Wednesday that two clusters of ChatGPT accounts, likely originating in China, engaged in coordinated influence operations targeting U.S. debates on artificial intelligence and data centers. The first cluster spread claims that data center expansions drove up electricity prices for American families, while the second promoted narratives framing tariffs as attempts to dominate global tech competition. Both campaigns allegedly avoided mentioning Chinese President Xi Jinping but referenced President Trump, and one cluster also falsely accused OpenAI of compromising user data. The AI firm linked multiple social media accounts to the operations and banned the ChatGPT accounts involved. The revelations come amid growing concerns in Washington about foreign interference in U.S. data center projects, which are critical for AI development. Millionaire investor Kevin O’Leary previously highlighted suspicious activity around his Utah data center, including identical IP addresses and bot-like behavior in social media messages opposing the project. O’Leary attributed the backlash partly to foreign influence tied to the Chinese government. U.S. officials have echoed these warnings. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that data center developers face 'foreign-directed propaganda' aimed at blocking construction, calling the infrastructure vital for American competitiveness. Republican lawmakers, including House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie, sent a letter last week to the FBI and President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) demanding an investigation into alleged foreign efforts to sabotage U.S. data center buildouts. The letter described the interference as part of a broader struggle for technological dominance. When contacted, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington denied familiarity with the specific allegations but reiterated China’s stance on AI governance, emphasizing a 'people-centered approach' and advocating for openness in AI development. The embassy also referenced China’s Global AI Governance Initiative as evidence of its commitment to inclusive technological progress. OpenAI’s findings align with broader reports of anti-data center backlash across federal, state, and local levels in the U.S., though the extent of foreign involvement remains unclear. The AI firm’s report underscores the need for vigilance against foreign influence in shaping policies critical to America’s tech and energy sectors.