A network of 37 websites designed to mimic local news outlets is promoting Democratic candidates in competitive federal races while being cited as sources by OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot. Digital security researchers identified 10 sites that focus exclusively on individual Democratic House candidates in highly contested races, including the Kalamazoo Beacon, which has published only stories about Michigan Democratic candidate Sean McCann despite claiming to cover local news.
When NPR tested ChatGPT’s responses to questions about candidates in specific districts, the chatbot cited these fabricated news sites and highlighted Democratic candidates’ positions. The websites present themselves as legitimate news outlets in their underlying code while operating as thinly veiled campaign advertisements. A total of 37 interconnected sites promote various Democratic candidates for federal, state and local offices, with some sites offering opinion pieces explaining why voters should support specific candidates and others organized by state or issue area.
Researchers found multiple indicators suggesting a single operator manages all 37 websites. The sites were created on September 15, with most registered within an 8-minute window. Hundreds of articles appeared in batches during September and October, suggesting possible use of artificial intelligence to generate content. The websites have been continuously refined, with their descriptions becoming more tailored to specific geographic areas since going online.
Neither NPR nor researchers could identify the website operators. Democratic candidate JoAnna Mendoza stated she was not involved and does not know who operates the sites. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee denied involvement, and other promoted candidates and affiliated super PACs did not respond to inquiries. Researchers note that the practice raises concerns about how AI chatbots can become channels for undisclosed political advertising and stealthy influence campaigns as voters increasingly consult them for election information.
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