When artificial intelligence starts creating propaganda

Artificial Intelligence is developing fast. In recent months, one particular AI tool called ChatGPT, which is available to everyone for free, has generated huge amounts of interest for its ability to instantly create original, realistic text on any subject based on user questions or instructions. According to reports, such is the potential of the technology that employees at Google have urgently prioritised the development of AI out of a concern that tools such as this could disrupt their entire model.

ChatGPT was created by OpenAI and has been fed large amounts of information found online, which it uses as a basis for simulating how people would answer certain questions or tasks in writing.

The purpose of the tool is benevolent. It can help with writing e-mails and blog posts, creating simpler contracts and creating to-do lists.

However, it’s ability to instantly create credible sounding and reasonably argued content also has great potential for those creating propaganda. Here is an example of ChatGPT’s response to the question why we should support Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The use of AI to assist the dissemination of propaganda has already been a concern for some time.

It is already used to create faces that can be used as profile photos for fake accounts. The advantage is that it generates a unique image of a person that can’t be traced back to a real person, which could result in it being suspended for impersonation or simply help expose the account as fake. The AI technology for this isn’t yet flawless though. If you look closely, you can often notice small imperfections, such as asymmetrical features or accessories like glasses and jewelry not rendering properly. In addition, it is difficult to convincingly match an AI-generated face to a realistic looking background or create anything other than a headshot. As a result, AI-generated faces tend to be created on plain or blurred backgrounds and are not shown in everyday contexts.

So we asked ChatGPT itself to explain the risks of artificial intelligence in the propaganda landscape using the following questions as input.

How can artificial intelligence be used for propaganda purposes?

Artificial intelligence can be used for propaganda purposes in different ways. Some options include:

• Interpreting media channels: Artificial intelligence can be used to examine large amounts of data and identify subjects of thought to interpret different media channels and their message. This can help propaganda organizers understand which messages are effective and which are not.
• Creating social media post AI can be used to create posts on social media platforms aimed at spreading propaganda. This can include the use of text as well as images and videos.
• Personalization of messages: AI can use data about people to create propaganda messages that target specific audiences and have greater impact.
• Spreading messages: AI can use different algorithms to find ways to spread propaganda messages more widely. This may include advertising as well as other methods such as the use of social media platforms.

Without legitimate control, the use of artificial intelligence for propaganda purposes can be extremely dangerous, as it can lead to manipulation and deception of large numbers of people. It is therefore important that the use of artificial intelligence is monitored and controlled and that people are aware of the existence of such activities.

How to identify propaganda materials created with the support of artificial intelligence?

AI-powered propaganda can be tricky to spot, but some things you might want to look for include:

• Intelligence detection: Artificial intelligence can be used to examine large amounts of data and identify intelligence to create propaganda messages. Therefore, you may want to look for messages that seem unrealistically powerful or too good to be true.
• Personalization of messages: Artificial intelligence can use data about people to create propaganda messages that target specific audiences. Therefore, you may want to look for messages that feel particularly powerful and have a strong emotional impact.
• Spreading messages: Artificial intelligence can use different algorithms to find ways to spread propaganda messages more widely. Therefore, you might want to look for messages that seem to be particularly widespread or are being shared a lot across different channels.
• Other evidence: AI-powered propaganda can also look unusually professional or really over the top. Therefore, you might want to look for other evidence, such as who created it or what its goals are.

Additionally, you may want to look for information on whether certain messages are associated with propaganda organizers or known propaganda tactics. You may also want to examine whether the message contains evidence or is based on facts.

What is OpenAI?

OpenAI is a science- and technology-based organization dedicated to making the science of artificial intelligence and its applications accessible to everyone. Founded in 2015 by entrepreneurs and researchers including Elon Musk and Sam Altman, OpenAI was founded to advance the science of artificial intelligence and its potential.

OpenAI is engaged in various artificial intelligence projects such as natural language processing, machine learning and artificial intelligence application development. In addition, OpenAI conducts research on artificial intelligence and shares its knowledge and results with the scientific community and the general public.

OpenAI is also known for its research and scientific publications in the field of artificial intelligence, which have contributed to the advancement of artificial intelligence science. In addition, OpenAI engages in research collaboration and science popularization to make AI science and its applications accessible to both researchers and the general public.

How can OpenAI products be used for propaganda purposes?

OpenAI products are not directly related to propaganda purposes. OpenAI is engaged in the development of artificial intelligence science and its applications, and offers its knowledge and technology to researchers, companies and the general public.

However, OpenAI products can be used for propaganda purposes if they are used incorrectly or without legitimate control. For example, OpenAI products may be used to create social media posts aimed at spreading propaganda, or OpenAI products may be used to personalize or disseminate propaganda messages more broadly.

Without legitimate control, the use of artificial intelligence for propaganda purposes can be extremely dangerous, as it can lead to manipulation and deception of large numbers of people. It is therefore important that the use of artificial intelligence is monitored and controlled and that people are aware of the existence of such activities. OpenAI is aware that artificial intelligence can be misused, and therefore the organization also deals with issues of research ethics and technological responsibility.