Russian propaganda network uses ChatGPT to plan influence operations in Africa

OpenAI said it banned a network of ChatGPT accounts linked to the pro-Kremlin media outlet Rybar that used artificial intelligence to generate social media content and draft proposals for covert influence operations targeting Africa.

The campaign, dubbed “Fish Food,” generated large batches of multilingual content that were later posted across Telegram and X. At least some of the accounts likely originated in Russia, according to a threat report published by OpenAI last week.

“In essence, the ChatGPT activity seemed to serve as a content farm for these accounts,” the company’s researchers said, adding that they could not independently confirm how the AI-generated material was ultimately posted online.

The operation primarily relied on Russian-language prompts, though the resulting content was produced in multiple languages, including English and Spanish. Some prompts were used to generate batches of English-language comments that were later posted by a range of Telegram and X accounts with no declared link to Rybar (“fisherman” in Russian).

Beyond content generation, researchers said one user asked ChatGPT to help develop commercial plans on behalf of Rybar for covert interference campaigns in Africa. Those plans included managing X and Telegram accounts, launching a bilingual investigative journalism website focused on Africa, and arranging paid placements in French-language media.

Another prompt involved editing a proposal for what appeared to be an election interference team, including plans for building local networks and organizing large-scale events alongside online influence efforts. Prompts also sought information about electoral processes in Burundi and Cameroon and discussed campaign options in Madagascar, including suggestions aimed at inflaming protests. The most ambitious project envisioned an annual budget of up to $600,000, according to the report.

“The content generated by this operation was typical of covert Russian influence operations over the years,” researchers said. “It typically praised Russia and its allies, such as Belarus, criticized Ukraine, and accused Western countries of foreign interference.”

Rybar’s main Telegram channel has around 1.4 million subscribers. OpenAI said that despite sizable audiences, it did not observe the network’s content being significantly amplified by mainstream media outlets or find evidence of matching on-the-ground activity in Africa.

Rybar, a pro-war military blog, was founded by former Russian Defense Ministry press officer Mikhail Zvinchuk and his associate Denis Shchukin. Russian independent media have reported that the late founder of the Wagner private military company, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was involved in financing the project.