ChatGPT helped place fake Iran-related articles in news outlets

OpenAI said a campaign based in Iran used ChatGPT to help place fake articles about the US-Iran conflict in real publications.

The company could not identify the specific actor behind the operation.

The articles used seven fake journalist identities, and ChatGPT helped tailor submissions and write emails pitching them to editors.

OpenAI described nearly 100 articles across roughly a dozen outlets, while the Washington Post said more than 100 appeared in at least 20 outlets.

The figures differ, but both accounts describe a campaign that reached established publications through their contributor channels.

Some outlets later removed articles, and PeaceVoice, a group that helped distribute one submission, tightened its AI policy.

OpenAI banned the accounts involved and said it shared information with relevant authorities; the case has also raised calls for newsrooms to verify contributors and how submissions reach them.