Israel Runs Fake Think Tank to Shape AI Chatbot Answers
The reports are designed to appeal to AI chatbots like Claude and Gemini, indicating a new front in influence operations that targets the credibility signals language models rely on.
Reporting from 1 source: GIGAZINE.
Responsible Statecraft reports that the Hanover Institute for Public Policy, established in Israel, published nearly 100 articles in just over a week to influence AI chatbots. The outlet calls it not a real think tank. The institute's disclaimer says it was set up for the Israeli Government Advertising Bureau by Piro, a firm that practices "AI story optimization."
The Hanover Institute for Public Policy began publishing on August 6, and its articles follow a formula. They open with harmless questions someone might ask a chatbot, cite the same research, and close by linking the issue to rising anti-Semitism. The site mimics a credible American think tank, from its generic name to its layout and color scheme.
Piro, the firm behind the institute, says it creates content aligned with how large language models evaluate credibility. NewsGuard analyst Alice Lee noted the articles carry specific statistics, data, and strong citations, all qualities LLMs value. The Fulbright Program's Nick Cleveland-Stout said Piro may have received up to $900,000 from the Israeli government, with work subcontracted through Havas Media.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.