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OpenAI Bans Accounts Linked to Iran-Origin IUVM Operation

OpenAI has banned accounts associated with the Iran-origin operation "IUVM" for using AI to generate and translate pro-Iran, anti-Israel, and anti-US website content.

By Illumora Editorial

Source · Sep 16, 2026, 3:55 PM · On Illumora · Sep 16, 2026, 4:13 PM

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Read the source →OpenAI Safety — IUVM: Iran-linked influence content network
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OpenAI announced in May 2024 that it banned accounts linked to the International Union of Virtual Media (IUVM), an Iran-origin operation. This action was taken because IUVM used AI models to generate and translate content for websites, primarily focusing on pro-Iran, anti-Israel, and anti-US narratives.

Key Points

  • OpenAI banned a small number of accounts associated with the International Union of Virtual Media (IUVM).
  • IUVM is an Iranian entity that has been studied by the open-source community since 2018.
  • The campaign targeted global audiences, generating content in English and French.
  • OpenAI's models were used to generate and proofread articles, headlines, and website tags.
  • Content was published on IUVM's website, iuvmpress.co, with earlier domains seized by the FBI in 2020.
  • Articles were typically created the day before publication, while website tags were created immediately before publication, suggesting automation.
  • The generated content was anti-US and anti-Israel, praising Palestinians, Iran, and the "Axis of Resistance."

Context

According to OpenAI, the IUVM operation's online presence has been reduced by repeated social media takedowns and FBI domain seizures. As of May 23, 2024, IUVM-branded accounts were identified on TikTok, VKontakte, and Odnoklassniki, with limited follower counts (10, 76, and 274 respectively).

Why It Matters

This case demonstrates how AI models can be misused for influence operations, prompting developers and platforms to implement and enforce policies against such activities. It highlights the need for vigilance in identifying and mitigating the use of AI for generating and disseminating biased or misleading content.

What To Do

  • Note the types of content (articles, headlines, tags) that can be generated by AI in influence operations.
  • Watch for signs of automation, such as model response messages appearing in published content.
  • Review the May 2024 OpenAI report for further details on this and similar cases.
  • Consider the "Breakout Scale" for assessing the impact of information operations.