Tag: AI

Iranian operatives used AI to plant fake stories in multiple US media outlets

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Iranian flag displayed behind a computer monitor on a desk

Operatives in Iran used OpenAI models and fake personas to help plant news articles critical of the US war against Iran in multiple US media outlets, OpenAI said on Thursday. About a dozen outlets around the world ran roughly 100 articles by seven fake journalists, OpenAI said in a blog post. The firm said it banned ChatGPT accounts that were prompting the AI tool in Farsi to tweak articles and editorial pitches, and generate social media comments. Some of the AI-assisted articles had provocative titles, including, “Is America’s Iran Policy Being Privatized? The Jared Kushner Question,” and “The Iran War and the Collapse of Western Moral Credibility.”

It’s the latest example of AI agents playing a key role in the propaganda battles that coincide with the US and Israel’s war with Iran. Young Iranians have also used AI to make viral Lego-themed videos mocking US leaders, while President Donald Trump has posted AI-generated videos depicting US strikes on Iran. None of the publications that ran the articles appear to be a major, mainstream news outlet, but some of them have sizable online followings.

One of the outlets, Middle East Monitor, which is based in London, has almost two million followers on Facebook. Getting the anti-war narratives in front of a US audience could count as a successful information operation for whoever was behind it. Who that is, and whether they’re affiliated with the Iranian government, is unclear, OpenAI said. “The overall activity appeared consistent with a commercial actor running a for-hire influence campaign, but we are unable to identify the particular actor involved,” the AI firm wrote in its blog.

The article about Kushner and US foreign policy was published by the LA Progressive, which describes itself as an “independent, justice-driven publication” based in Los Angeles. CNN has requested comment from LA Progressive. Daud Abdullah, Director of the Middle East Monitor, told CNN he will look into the articles OpenAI flagged and “take the appropriate action.” Another representative for the Middle East Monitor later told CNN that the articles had been taken down and that the publication was reviewing its submissions process. After the articles published, the Iranian operatives asked ChatGPT to generate comments they could post on social media purporting to be people reacting to the articles, according to OpenAI.

“The users asked for comments on topics such as missile strikes, ceasefires, and diplomatic maneuvering, specifying outputs that portrayed the US as the aggressor, Israel as an unreliable ally of the US, and Iran as a defiant but resilient victim,” the blog says. “It’s remarkable that the Iranians managed to land their content in real media outlets, expanding the potential reach of their campaign,” said Jessica Brandt, who ran the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s now-shuttered Foreign Malign Influence Center from 2023 to 2025.

“We’re witnessing AI enable foreign adversaries to better hide their hand, building more sophisticated false fronts than they might otherwise be able to in order to launder their content through authentic channels, leveraging those channels for reach,” Brandt told CNN. OpenAI’s findings show how AI is increasingly being used to shape perceptions of war. This spring, a false AI-assisted US intelligence report about a purported Chinese ship transporting nuclear components almost led the US military to board the ship, CNN previously reported.

Source: Iranian operatives used AI to plant fake stories in multiple US media outlets | CNN Politics

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:16

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Third of young people now turning to AI for friendship, research finds

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A third of young people are now using an AI companion, according to new research. The RELATE Project 2026, by Christian youth ministry Young Life, spoke to over 7,100 teenagers and young adults across 11 different countries including the US, UK, Argentina, Mexico, India and Nigeria. The research found that in 2025 the average young person had 4.4 close relationships, down from 5.3 in 2023.

When it comes to discussing the subjects that really matter, on average young people said they only had two people in their lives who qualified. Some 40 per cent of young people said they were not fully confident that there was an adult in their life who had a genuine interest in listening to them. In order to build trust with such an adult, 73 per cent said that confidentiality was the most important factor. The research found that while most young people prefer face to face communication with their friends (64 per cent – up 10 points from 2023), the use of AI companions appears to becoming more prevalent, particularly with younger teenagers.

Over a third (35 per cent) of young people report using an AI companion, rising to 45 per cent among those aged 13 to 15. A majority (60 per cent) of those who use an AI companion say they feel more comfortable sharing their problems with AI than with real-world friends and family. Newt Crenshaw, President and CEO of Young Life, said of the research, “The RELATE Project tells us that while young people are constantly connected online, they are craving authentic, in-person community. “They don’t want perfect, frictionless screens. They are looking for trusted, consistent adults who will step into their worlds, earn and keep their trust, and simply be there to listen.”

Dr Kimberly Nollan, Director of Research and Practice at Young Life, said, “To walk alongside today’s young people, we have to put down our own distractions and show up in their world. “This starts with proving we are safe enough to listen – protecting their confidentiality and offering space for them without immediately trying to offer advice or judgement.”

Source: Third of young people now turning to AI for friendship, research finds – Christian Today

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Chinese firm markets lifelike humanoid robots as remedy for loneliness

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A Chinese robotics company has introduced a line of lifelike humanoid robots built as personal companions, presenting the machines as an answer to loneliness among single adults and older people, according to a video report from news agency Agence France-Presse. UBTech unveiled the U1 series and describes it as the world’s first full-size humanoid robot designed for mass production. The robots use artificial intelligence to hold conversations and respond to a user’s emotions, and the basic model can move its head, eyes and mouth, AFP reported. The company said it had received more than 13,300 pre-orders, with deliveries expected to begin in September.

UBTech priced the robots between $17,600 and $145,700, depending on the features a buyer selects. Reuters reported that the U1 line runs from a robotic torso at 119,800 yuan to full-size models reaching 990,000 yuan, or about $145,835, and that it is sold in male and female versions. The higher-end models carry realistic touches such as visible pores, blood vessels and fingerprints, along with expressive faces and synthetic skin. The company said the robots run on an emotion-focused large language model built for long-term companionship. UBTech is aiming the products at two groups, Michael Tam, chief executive of consumer unit UWORLD, said in the AFP report. He cited a single population in China above 120 million people, and an elderly care sector serving more than 320 million residents older than 60. Tam said the robots would stay loyal and “will love you unconditionally,” describing the product as “a completely new species” devoted to a single owner, according to AFP.

The basic U1 does not perform household chores. UBTech also said the robots are not designed for intimate relationships, at least “for now”. The launch drew attention on Chinese social media, where users debated the prospect of AI “cyber boyfriends” and “cyber girlfriends.” The company’s chief branding officer said China’s market for such robots could expand from tens of billions of yuan to trillions over the following decade.UBTech said it aims to complete deliveries of the U1 series within the year.

Source: Chinese firm markets lifelike humanoid robots as remedy for loneliness – Christian Daily International

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

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