Report says super PAC linked to AI executives paid TikTok influencers

In short: A nonprofit linked to a super PAC backed by executives at OpenAI and other tech investors is paying social media influencers to push pro AI messages and raise fears about China.

What happened

WIRED reports that Build American AI, a nonprofit linked to a political group called a super PAC, has been funding social media posts about artificial intelligence, often with a strong pro US angle.

A super PAC is a political fundraising group that can spend large amounts of money to influence public opinion, as long as it does not coordinate directly with a candidate’s campaign.

In one example cited by WIRED, lifestyle influencer Melissa Strahle posted an Instagram video on April 1 in front of an American flag. In the video, she told her followers that AI helps her focus on what matters and that the US should invest in “American-made AI” to lead on innovation and jobs.

The campaign is also described as encouraging concern about China. The broader message is that the US needs to move faster on AI because China is a competitor.

Why it matters

Many people treat influencer videos like personal recommendations, not paid political messaging. If companies and political groups use creators to shape opinions about AI and international threats, it can be harder for viewers to tell what is marketing or politics and what is a creator’s genuine view. It also shows how the AI policy debate is moving beyond Washington and into everyday social feeds, like campaign flyers showing up in your mailbox, but on your phone.

Source: Wired