X Uncovers 200,000 Chinese Fake Accounts Fueling U.S. AI Opposition

Amid growing resident backlash in the U.S. over the construction of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, claims have emerged that China is using social media (SNS) to fuel opposition to the data centers.

On August 29 (local time), X, the social media (SNS) platform owned by Elon Musk, announced, “We have discovered approximately 200,000 suspected Chinese fake accounts believed to have been mobilized for opinion manipulation within the U.S.” Among these, about 200 accounts were identified as engaging in covert activities, including posting content related to U.S. AI and energy policies.

According to X, these accounts spread claims that AI data centers drive up household electricity rates and strain the power grid. They also posted AI-generated cartoons depicting data center operators amassing vast wealth at the expense of residents. This is speculated to be an attempt to amplify existing resident grievances surrounding data centers, which are essential for the expansion of the U.S. AI industry, thereby fostering social conflict.

OpenAI also revealed in a threat report released last June that “ChatGPT accounts linked to China have generated text and images aimed at spreading opposition to data centers.”

However, some argue that it is difficult to conclude that such Chinese activities have actually swayed U.S. public opinion. Darren Linville, co-director of the Clemson University Media Forensics Hub, tracked the accounts disclosed by X and found that at least 59 of them had zero subscribers and no interaction with other users. Director Linville stated, “The current sentiment around data centers is like an oil tanker,” adding, “A rowboat cannot move an oil tanker.”