OpenAI bans Russian and Iranian account clusters using AI for covert influence operations

On October 8, OpenAI disclosed that it recently banned two covert influence operation account clusters originating from Russia, codenamed "Dark Clark", and Iran, codenamed "Bogus Bylines". These operations utilized ChatGPT combined with "front organizations" to disseminate geopolitical false narratives to target audiences. The Russian intervention in Latin America, which leveraged fake think tank platforms and forged documents, reached an impact breakout level of 5, marking the first Level 5 case in OpenAI's report. Meanwhile, the Iranian operation submitted long-form articles to over ten online media outlets worldwide using seven fictitious journalist personas, with certain articles attaining an impact level of 4. Relevant information has subsequently been handed over to the relevant authorities.