OpenAI says Chinese cops used ChatGPT to plan and track smear ops against opponents
The Register
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
OpenAI has revealed that a user with ties to Chinese law enforcement attempted to exploit ChatGPT to orchestrate smear campaigns targeting political figures, including Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The individual sought to generate negative social media content and fake email complaints to discredit Takaichi, who had criticized the Chinese Communist Party over human rights issues in Inner Mongolia. When ChatGPT refused, the user allegedly switched to other AI models to carry out these operations. OpenAI's report details how these efforts included creating false narratives across social platforms, using tactics like fake accounts and manipulated hashtags to amplify disinformation.
The misuse extended beyond online attacks, with the individual employing psychological harassment against critics, including targeting their mental health and families. For instance, fake obituaries and memorial posts were created for a dissident, while activists faced coordinated campaigns to have their social media accounts restricted or banned. OpenAI's findings highlight the potential for AI tools to facilitate transnational repression and influence operations, raising concerns about their ethical use and regulation.
This incident underscores the growing risks of AI being weaponized for political manipulation and surveillance. As tech companies continue to grapple with misuse, the need for robust safeguards and transparency becomes increasingly urgent. The case also serves as a cautionary tale about the dual-use nature of advanced technologies, emphasizing the importance of ethical frameworks to prevent their abuse in intelligence and influence operations.
Verticals
tech
Originally published on The Register on 2/25/2026