OpenAI Confirms that Chinese Hackers Used ChatGPT to Launch Cyberattacks
OpenAI has confirmed that a ChatGPT account associated with an individual linked to Chinese law enforcement was utilized to orchestrate and document extensive covert cyberattack campaigns. This disclosure, detailed in OpenAI's February 2026 threat…
OpenAI has confirmed that a ChatGPT account associated with an individual linked to Chinese law enforcement was utilized to orchestrate and document extensive covert cyberattack campaigns. This disclosure, detailed in OpenAI's February 2026 threat disruption report, highlights the use of AI tools by state-linked actors to conduct coordinated influence operations and harassment against dissidents, foreign officials, and critics of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Dubbed "Cyber Special Operations" by OpenAI, this initiative represents a systematic effort to suppress free speech, manipulate public opinion, and silence opposition globally. The ChatGPT account was employed to edit and refine periodic status updates on ongoing campaigns, providing investigators insight into the operations of a Chinese state-affiliated disinformation apparatus.
The operations encompassed over 300 foreign social media platforms, involving thousands of fake accounts and hundreds of human operators across multiple Chinese provinces. OpenAI analysts identified a significant planning session in mid-October 2025, where the ChatGPT user sought assistance in designing a covert influence campaign targeting Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi. Despite OpenAI's model refusal to assist, the campaign proceeded, corroborated by open-source investigations.
The tactics employed ranged from amplifying negative commentary to using fake email accounts and labeling targets to divert attention from China-Japan tensions. The operation's real-world implementation was confirmed through the spread of specific hashtags and AI-generated content across platforms like X, Pixiv, and Blogspot.
Despite OpenAI's model refusal to assist, the campaign proceeded, corroborated by open-source investigations.
Targets extended beyond China, including foreign dissidents, human rights groups, and government officials. The operation utilized locally deployed AI models for monitoring and content creation, while ChatGPT facilitated document refinement. Notable targets included activists and human rights groups, with tactics involving forged documents and fabricated content to pressure and silence dissidents.
Organizations and individuals should adopt the following precautions against AI-enabled influence operations:
Social media platforms should enhance detection of coordinated inauthentic behavior. Public figures and officials should be cautious of unsolicited outreach from unverified sources. Governments should continue sharing threat intelligence and warning civil society groups about online harassment risks. AI providers should uphold strict content policies and publish detailed threat reports to promote industry-wide awareness.
Based on reporting by Cyber Security News.