tech
May 5, 2026
The tech world's 'warehouses': OpenAI, Palantir, and others fund influencers to promote US AI
It looks like organic content. An influencer in front of an American flag, background music, and a message about the importance of investing in technology...
TL;DR
- Influencers are being paid to create content promoting U.S. AI and criticizing China's technological progress.
- The campaign is linked to Build American AI, a "dark money" group connected to Silicon Valley figures.
- The agency SM4 contacts influencers on TikTok and Instagram for these paid promotions.
- Key messages include the benefits of U.S. AI for the economy and the threat posed by China's technological advancement.
- Influencers are directed to incorporate political messages into everyday content.
- Build American AI is linked to Leading the Future, a Super PAC that has raised significant funds.
- Supporters include figures from OpenAI and Palantir, though these companies deny direct funding.
- The campaign's messaging aligns with the public stances of major AI companies on competition with China and regulation.
- Influencers disclose the posts as ads but do not reveal the specific interests behind them.
- A significant percentage of young adults in the U.S. consume news via influencers, raising concerns about undeclared paid content.
- An environmentalist influencer rejected the offer, citing concerns about unregulated industry and profit motives over societal benefit.