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OpenAI Says It Took Down a Malicious Russian Plan to Spread Misinformation on ChatGPT

The network used AI to produce stolen articles, social posts and logos, with some Telegram channels drawing 10,000 to 20,000 subscribers, researchers said.

  • OpenAI banned ChatGPT accounts linked to Russia that promoted the International Burke Institute , a fake "think tank" designed to influence Western audiences into believing Russia was superior.
  • Operators established the IBI as an "expert community" based in Israel, using a "sovereignty index" to promote narratives favorable to the Kremlin while appearing credible to Western audiences.
  • Accessing the system via VPN to hide Russian origins, operators used ChatGPT to generate English-language content; OpenAI found that 34 of 36 articles published on the IBI website between September 2025 and May 2026 were stolen.
  • While the campaign reached limited audiences, with some Telegram channels garnering 10,000 to 20,000 subscribers, OpenAI disrupted the network and blocked the associated accounts, neutralizing the immediate operation.
  • Researchers emphasize the main risk lies in established infrastructure for future foreign influence, expanding on earlier Russian plans targeting African elections in countries like Burundi, Cameroon, and Madagascar with budgets reaching $600,000 annually.
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The campaign was built around the website of the so-called Burke International Institute.

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Bias Distribution

  • 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left

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The Hacker News broke the news on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
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