China Accused of Using Bot Networks to Oppose US AI Infrastructure

China has been using bot networks, state media, and US-based organizations to influence opposition to American artificial intelligence infrastructure, according to witnesses who testified before a congressional panel. The claims were made during a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on covert foreign influence operations in the United States.

Sam Lyman, head of research at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, stated that Beijing was presenting different messages about artificial intelligence to domestic and international audiences. He claimed that China has launched complex bot networks and media campaigns to turn American public opinion against AI and data centers.

The social media platform X disclosed a network of about 200,000 suspected fake accounts from China in August, with around 200 of those accounts allegedly carrying messages opposing US data centres. Lyman alleged that Chinese state media had promoted similar arguments to American audiences while Beijing subsidised up to half of the energy costs incurred by AI data centres in China.

Lyman also accused a network of US-based nonprofit organizations supported by Shanghai-based businessman Neville Roy Singham of amplifying messages critical of the American technology industry. He stated that the network's activities had affected 21 campaigns across 14 US states and contributed to delays or reductions involving about $23.6 billion in proposed AI infrastructure investment.

However, Lyman cautioned against treating every American opponent of data centres as part of a foreign campaign, noting that communities have raised concerns about electricity demand, water consumption, land use, and higher utility costs.