Following Israel’s Lead, Iran Floods The Web With Fake Articles To Shift The War Narrative

OpenAI uncovered a media campaign originating in Iran that used ChatGPT to write and edit around 100 articles under fake journalist identities. Published in at least 20 outlets, the articles focused on the economic costs of the U.S. war on Iran and its impact on Americans.

The campaign used seven fictitious author names, including Ervin Hoskins, whose articles appeared in Florida’s local Port St. Joe Star, Daily Kos and Middle East Monitor. The latter two have a combined Facebook following of over 3 million.

Users in Iran gave ChatGPT instructions in Persian to tailor articles to targeted outlets, highlighting financial losses Americans could face even after the fighting ended.

Some articles were removed after the AI use and fake identities were exposed. OpenAI suggested the operation was a paid influence campaign, but did not identify who was behind it or establish direct ties to Iran’s government.