Israel’s new influence campaign brings AI into the battle for American opinion

Israel has launched a multi-million dollar influence campaign in the United States, utilizing artificial intelligence to shape American public opinion, according to a Wall Street Journal investigation. This initiative, reportedly funded by the Israeli government with a contract exceeding $45 million, aims to counter a negative shift in American views towards Israel, particularly among younger conservatives and Trump supporters. The campaign, spearheaded by digital strategist Brad Parscale, involves AI-generated text messages from groups like "Friends for Peace," pro-Israel websites, digital advertising, and efforts to influence AI systems like ChatGPT. Critics, including Steve Bannon, have raised concerns about the integration of these messages into conservative media outlets like Salem Media, where Parscale serves as chief strategy officer, though Salem and Parscale deny hosts were paid to promote specific messages. The campaign highlights a growing trend of governments using advanced technology and AI for political persuasion, with Israel emerging as a significant player in this evolving landscape.