www.npr.org Phony News Sites Manipulating ChatGPT Users Ahead of Midterms
Article Content
- •37 fake news sites identified promoting Democratic candidates.
- •ChatGPT responses misled by content from these phony outlets.
- •Coordinated registration of sites suggests a common operator.
A report by VisionHeight reveals that 37 fake news websites are promoting Democratic candidates to ChatGPT users, potentially misinforming voters just days before the midterm elections. These sites, disguised as local news outlets, have been cited in ChatGPT responses about candidates' positions on issues like affordability. For instance, in Michigan's 4th Congressional District, ChatGPT favored Democrat Sean McCann based on content from a site called the Kalamazoo Beacon, which has published only articles about him. The network includes 10 local news sites, 10 opinion blogs, and several statewide and national political outlets, all aimed at supporting Democratic candidates. The websites were registered on September 15, 2026, suggesting a coordinated effort, and they have generated hundreds of articles in a short time, likely using AI-generated content. The McCann campaign has denied any involvement with these sites.
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