Iran’s AI-Driven Media Campaign Exposed by OpenAI
OpenAI uncovers Iran’s fake journalist network infiltrating U.S. media with AI-generated articles.
2 min read
A Florida newspaper recently found itself at the center of a sophisticated disinformation campaign, as OpenAI revealed that an article it published was authored by a fake persona linked to an Iranian influence operation. The Port St. Joe Star published an article titled ‘The cost of American power in the Iran War‘ under the byline Ervin B. Hoskins on September 22. However, OpenAI identified Hoskins as part of a broader campaign using AI to infiltrate news outlets.
AI-Powered Disinformation
According to OpenAI’s report, the persona was part of an ‘influence campaign’ originating in Iran. The operators used ChatGPT to refine English-language articles and tailor them to the submission requirements of targeted publications. The report noted that the persona’s bio claimed to be an ‘American freelance writer,’ but social media transparency settings revealed the accounts were based in Iran. Additionally, OpenAI’s image-verification tool identified the author photo as AI-generated.
Extensive Media Reach
OpenAI identified almost 100 articles published or syndicated under the operation’s bylines across more than a dozen publications. The campaign reached at least 20 news outlets, with some articles appearing in publications with substantial followings. One such publication had nearly 2 million Facebook followers, over 355,000 on X, and more than 544,000 on Instagram as of August 2026.
The Middle East Monitor published multiple articles under the operation’s bylines, including those of Hoskins, Michael Harrison, Jenny Williams, and Alice Johnson. The site published at least 21 articles under bylines identified as fake, according to the Washington Post. While the operation’s social media comments attracted little engagement, its articles reached a broader audience, raising concerns about the potential influence of the campaign.
Broader Implications
OpenAI stated that the activity appeared consistent with a commercial operator conducting a campaign for hire, but it could not identify the individuals behind the operation. The report also highlighted that the earliest article identified by OpenAI was published in July 2025, with the frequency of publication increasing after the U.S.-Iran war broke out earlier this year. The campaign’s focus on international affairs, geopolitics, and Middle Eastern events suggests a strategic effort to shape public perception of the ongoing conflict.
Source: Daily Wire
