It has become a common tactic for some U.S. artificial intelligence companies to pin the blame on China, even blaming China for domestic American public opposition to building data centers—truly absurd and laughable!
According to reports by U.S. media, OpenAI, the company behind the conversational AI "ChatGPT," stated that multiple accounts linked to China attempted to "incite" public opposition in the United States against the construction of data centers. The alleged goal was reportedly to undermine America's competitiveness in the field of artificial intelligence—an argument consistent with recent claims made by the tech industry.
According to a report released by OpenAI on the 10th, several accounts believed to be connected with China used artificial intelligence to post English-language social media content claiming that data centers are driving up electricity bills for American citizens.
The company labeled this campaign “Data Center Ripple” (a reference to ongoing controversies around data centers). These accounts are “likely” associated with a private technology firm that provides services to provincial-level Chinese government clients.
Although these posts have not yet spread widely, OpenAI emphasized the need to monitor such content, viewing it as an act by foreign actors attempting to weaken domestic strategic industries. While there is legitimate debate in the U.S. regarding AI and data centers, these accounts sought to manipulate discussions by impersonating ordinary Americans and disseminating AI-generated content, thereby inciting conflict.
Data centers have long enjoyed tax incentives. However, in recent years, opposition to plans for constructing or expanding AI facilities has intensified locally.
This resistance could jeopardize infrastructure projects that IT companies like OpenAI claim are crucial for meeting surging demand and maintaining a competitive edge over China in AI development.
The backlash stems from concerns over local water resource stress, rising electricity costs due to data centers, and fears that these facilities may support technologies threatening people’s lives. Recently, some Republican leaders and insiders within the tech industry have claimed that disinformation linked to China has fueled the opposition movement.
OpenAI reported that accounts believed to be connected with China also posted cartoons about rising electricity prices. In one video, executives carry bags filled with money and robots, emphasizing that the costs of the AI industry are borne by “ordinary people.”
Ben Nimmo, Chief Investigator at OpenAI’s Information and Investigations team, said during a press briefing on the 10th: “I want to be clear. This debate isn’t driven by disinformation campaigns. This debate already existed. What we’re seeing is Chinese disinformation efforts aimed at interfering with the discussion.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867749575747596/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.