X Discovers Massive Chinese Bot Network Orchestrating US AI Policy Influence Campaign

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has identified a sprawling network of roughly 200,000 inauthentic accounts originating in China that engaged in coordinated “influence operations” targeting American audiences, the company’s Global Government Affairs team announced. The bot farm focused specifically on spreading messaging critical of artificial intelligence development and the data centers needed to support it, according to X’s safety team. Within the larger network, approximately 200 accounts were singled out for their direct attempts to shape debate surrounding US AI and energy policy.

Posts attributed to the bot network claimed that AI data centers are driving residential electricity costs upward and straining power grids across the country. Several accounts shared AI-generated imagery portraying data center operators as profiteers enriching themselves at public expense, with captions suggesting that ordinary Americans bear the financial burden while the industry reaps rewards. This discovery comes as OpenAI revealed in recent months that it had dismantled a separate coordinated inauthentic operation originating from China that similarly targeted American audiences with messaging about rising electricity costs linked to data center expansion.

The uncovering of these campaigns occurs amid an intensifying national debate over whether AI development should proceed rapidly or face regulatory constraints and environmental scrutiny. Critics contend that data centers harm local ecosystems, increase electricity expenses and diminish property values in affected communities. Supporters counter that AI advancement is essential for national security and delivers significant economic benefits through job creation and tax revenue in host regions.

President Donald Trump addressed the topic during a White House appearance this week, suggesting the AI industry requires “a little public relations help” given public resistance. Trump referenced a May Gallup poll indicating that most Americans oppose data center construction in their communities, yet argued that localities embracing such projects would benefit substantially from employment opportunities and tax contributions. “If you don’t take it, you’re going to be left behind because there are plenty of places that want it,” he stated.

Senator John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania, has similarly voiced support for rapid AI development, cautioning that China gains strategic advantage when the United States overreacts to concerns about artificial intelligence’s societal impacts. Fetterman characterized both AI supremacy and energy dominance as foundational to American national security interests. His position aligns with Trump’s push to accelerate the sector’s growth without significant regulatory friction.

X’s leadership said the platform would continue suspending accounts found to violate its authenticity policies and reiterated its commitment to preserving “an open and authentic platform where people debate topics of public interest.”