BPI:

Ensuring that AI is safe and empowers American workers must be a top priority for US policymakers. But the discussion about AI safety should not be influenced by geopolitical rivals, especially China, which aims to accelerate AI development “to gain the initiative in global science and technology competition.” Depending on the advances made in this field, there may come a time when the United States and China must engage in bilateral negotiations to ensure safe AI development. But until then, an honest conversation about AI safety requires filtering any foreign influence. 

The same logic applies to debates surrounding AI data centers. AI data centers have become a lightning rod in policy conversations across all levels of government. American citizens have legitimate concerns about water use, energy costs, and grid capacity, concerns that deserve serious local deliberation. But local deliberation works only when the public can see who is bankrolling and influencing the campaigns shaping the debate. This report aims to provide that transparency to equip citizens and lawmakers alike with the information they need to make informed policy decisions on AI and other emerging technologies.

What emerges from our research is a disturbing trend: international actors are working through state media organizations, nonprofit networks, and dark money groups to shape US policy and public opinion on artificial intelligence. The campaign against American AI is being waged across three vectors of foreign influence: