AI Used For Tricky Online Influence Campaigns

You might have heard about AI — think ChatGPT — being used for all sorts of useful things, from writing emails to helping with homework. But a recent report from OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, sheds light on a less positive use: foreign groups attempting to influence public opinion online. They're using these advanced AI tools to create messages that look and sound natural, hoping to sway people's views on political matters like trade tariffs or even debates about where to build new data centres.

Now, the good news is that OpenAI stated these particular efforts, which apparently started in late 2025 and early 2026, haven't been very effective so far. It seems people are still pretty good at spotting things that don't quite ring true, even when an AI has helped craft them. However, this situation clearly shows that as AI gets smarter, it's becoming a central tool in these online influence campaigns. It's a bit like a new type of digital arms race, where both sides are trying to use the latest technology.

For everyday Australians, especially small business owners, this is an important reminder to be a bit more critical of what you read online. If something pops up in your social media feed or a news article that feels a bit off, it's worth taking a moment to consider the source. AI can make it much easier for groups with hidden agendas to generate convincing-looking content very quickly and on a large scale.

Regulators and AI companies are keenly aware of these challenges. They're working on ways to identify AI-generated content and put safeguards in place. But ultimately, a savvy, thoughtful reader is still the best defence against these kinds of digital influence attempts. Staying informed about how AI is being used, both positively and negatively, helps everyone navigate the online world a bit more safely.