X Says China Used Hundreds of Bot Accounts to Amplify Fears About AI Data Centers that Many Americans Already Share
X said 200 accounts in a 200,000-account bot farm used OpenAI tools to spread posts warning that AI data centers raise electricity prices.
- Global Government Affairs identified a bot farm of 200,000 accounts linked to Chinese operators, with 200 accounts specifically posting content to manipulate debates about American technology and energy policy.
- The inauthentic accounts used OpenAI to generate illustrations and talking points for their campaign, including AI-generated cartoons depicting data-center operators enriching themselves at the public's expense.
- Posts claimed data centers drive up household electricity prices and strain power grids, posted 'in a manner that could manipulate a legitimate debate about American AI and energy policy.'
- Global Government Affairs suspended the accounts for violating its Authenticity policy; Even President Donald Trump argued those opposing data centers are 'making a mistake.'
- Bloomberg reported electricity costs near data centers have risen up to 267%, while residents in Georgia raised concerns over one development using 29 million gallons of water before billing.
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Elon Musk's X says China tried using X to turn Americans against AI data centers. Did it work?
Elon Musk joined Donald Trump and other business leaders on a trip to China in May 2026. Now his X service says it has found evidence of a China-backed persuasion campaign on its platform.Alex Wong/Getty ImagesIf you're like most Americans, you oppose data centers.Some tech boosters say that's because you've been duped by China.Now Elon Musk's X says it found evidence of a China-led influence campaign. How much influence did it have?Some tech ty…
Massive Chinese bot farm caught conducting US ‘influence operations’ pushing coordinated online narrative
X uncovered a suspected Chinese bot farm of 200,000 accounts conducting influence operations in the U.S., pushing anti-AI and anti-data center narratives about electricity prices.
Social media platform X identified inauthentic Chinese accounts pushing data center opposition
The posts made claims about AI data centers driving up household electricity prices and straining the grid. Others included AI-generated cartoons that depicted data-center operators enriching themselves at the public's expense.
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