OpenAI cracks down on China-linked accounts accused of using ChatGPT for surveillance tools

OpenAI Bans China-linked ChatGPT Accounts: In a major move, artificial intelligence company OpenAI has banned several ChatGPT accounts. The company states that these accounts were involved in China-backed surveillance efforts and were attempting to develop surveillance tools, social media listening systems, and profiling models using ChatGPT. OpenAI detailed this action in its report, "Disrupting Malicious Uses of AI: October 2025."

Serious Allegations Against Users Linked to China

According to the report, several users linked to China had sought assistance from ChatGPT in developing projects that could be used for surveillance purposes. These included social media listening tools, high-risk user-related inflow warning models, and efforts related to government surveillance systems. These tools were allegedly being developed to identify and track sensitive data. However, OpenAI clarified that the actual existence or use of these models has not been confirmed.

Case of Seeking Information on Sensitive Topics

OpenAI's report also revealed that some users were using ChatGPT as a research tool. They were gathering information on sensitive topics related to China, including the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, the Dalai Lama's birthday, and political petitions in Mongolia. In one case, a user even asked for the funding source and identity of the organizers of the X (formerly Twitter) account. However, OpenAI clarified that ChatGPT only provided public data and did not have access to any private or sensitive information.

Accounts Linked to Russia Also Faced Strict Action

The report not only mentioned accounts from China but also from Russia. According to OpenAI, some users linked to Russia were misusing ChatGPT for phishing tools and other cyberattacks. The company immediately banned all such accounts, stating that these cases were serious examples of AI misuse.

OpenAI issued a stern warning

OpenAI stated clearly in this report that it will take a strong stance against any authoritarian misuse of AI in the future. The company stated that its system is being continuously updated to ensure that no user can use ChatGPT or its models for political propaganda, surveillance, or cybercrime. This action by OpenAI once again demonstrates the importance of safety and accountability in the growing era of artificial intelligence.