OpenAI finds more Chinese groups using ChatGPT for malicious purposes
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OpenAI says China-linked threat actors have used ChatGPT to support their cyber operations.
PHOTO: REUTERS
SAN FRANCISCO – OpenAI is seeing an increasing number of Chinese groups using its artificial intelligence technology for covert operations, which the ChatGPT maker described in a report released on June 5.
While the scope and tactics employed by these groups have expanded, the operations detected were generally small in scale and targeted limited audiences, the San Francisco-based start-up said.
Since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022, there have been concerns about the potential consequences of generative AI technology, which can quickly and easily produce human-like text, imagery and audio.
OpenAI regularly releases reports on malicious activity it detects on its platform, such as creating and debugging malware, or generating fake content for websites and social media platforms.
In one example, OpenAI banned ChatGPT accounts that generated social media posts on political and geopolitical topics
Some content also criticised US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs
In another example, China-linked threat actors used AI to support various phases of their cyber operations, including open-source research, script modification, troubleshooting system configurations, and development of tools for password brute forcing and social media automation.
A third example OpenAI found was a China-origin influence operation that generated polarised social media content supporting both sides of divisive topics within US political discourse, including text and AI-generated profile images.
OpenAI has cemented its position as one of the world’s most valuable private companies after announcing a US$40 billion (S$51 billion) funding round valuing the company at US$300 billion. REUTERS
