Pro-AI Nonprofit Funds Influencers to Portray Chinese AI as Threat
Build American AI, a nonprofit associated with a super PAC supported by leaders from OpenAI and Andreessen Horowitz, is funding a campaign that compensates TikTok influencers to disseminate pro-AI messages and heighten concerns regarding China's advancements in artificial intelligence. The goal of this initiative is to influence public opinion and policy by portraying the development of Chinese AI as a threat to national security, while simultaneously pushing for increased investment in American AI. By utilizing social media figures, the campaign targets younger demographics, merging enthusiasm for technology with geopolitical fears. This approach illustrates a wider trend of tech industry stakeholders employing dark-money methods to sway political conversations without transparency.
Key facts
- Build American AI is a nonprofit linked to a super PAC.
- The super PAC is bankrolled by executives at OpenAI and Andreessen Horowitz.
- The campaign pays TikTok influencers to spread pro-AI messaging.
- The messaging stokes fears about China's AI development.
- The goal is to influence public perception and policy on AI.
- The campaign frames Chinese AI as a national security threat.
- It advocates for increased American AI investment.
- The strategy uses dark-money channels to avoid direct disclosure.
Entities
Institutions
- Build American AI
- OpenAI
- Andreessen Horowitz
- TikTok
Locations
- United States
- China
Sources
- Wired AI —