#United States #Washington #AI Infrastructure #Bitcoin Policy Institute #Foreign Influence

Tracing Foreign Influence on U.S. Artificial Intelligence

In an illuminating new study published by the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), three significant channels of foreign influence are identified as converging to impede the progress of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in the United States. Notably, the report highlights the intricate connections from China's state media apparatus to a nonprofit network aligned with the Communist Party of China (CCP), which, combined with foreign dark money, are orchestrating a concerted campaign against American AI initiatives.

Key Findings from the Report

The analysis reveals the following major components:

1. Targeting U.S. AI Infrastructure via State Media
Beijing's English-language state media outlets such as CGTN, China Daily, and Global Times have been actively running campaigns aimed at undermining U.S. AI data centers. This comes at a time when China has been heavily subsidizing up to half of the operational costs for their own AI facilities.

2. Collaboration with U.S. Nonprofit Networks
The report discusses a network of 501(c)(3) organizations funded by Neville Roy Singham, a Shanghai-based expat currently under congressional scrutiny for his alleged ties to the CCP. For nearly five years, these organizations have been collaborating with Chinese state-run media, contributing to a negative narrative surrounding U.S. AI developments and promoting content that disrupts American AI progress.

3. Dark Money Tied to Billionaires
Significant financial backing from foreign billionaires has poured into U.S. advocacy organizations advocating for a moratorium on AI data centers. Specifically, over $2 billion has been funneled through the philanthropic initiatives of Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss and British billionaire Alan Parker, leading to the formation of coalitions pushing for legislation against AI infrastructural expansion.

4. Legislative Developments Rapidly Following Pressure
The report notes a quick succession of events: a coalition letter signed by more than 230 organizations advocating for a national moratorium was followed just 107 days later by the Sanders-Ocasio-Cortez AI Data Center Moratorium Act.

5. Local Moratoriums on Data Centers
As a direct consequence, at least 54 local regions across the U.S. have already passed moratoriums on data center operations, with another nine towns and counties actively considering similar legislation. Furthermore, statewide moratorium bills are being presented in at least 12 states during this legislative cycle.

6. Foreign Affiliates at U.S. Government Panels
A shocking revelation came during a panel held by Senator Bernie Sanders on April 29, 2026, which included two affiliates of the Chinese government. These affiliates have been known PRC media figures, further complicating the dialogue surrounding AI regulation in America.

Call to Action for Policymakers

Sam Lyman, Head of Policy at BPI, emphasized the need for U.S. policies that prioritize the safety of AI, free from external influences. He argued that the input from geopolitical rivals, particularly China, could derail the necessary advancements in AI safety discussions. Lyman also stressed the importance of transparency for American citizens, especially regarding the funding of organizations impacting U.S. policy.

The report recommends that Congress implement legislation mandating full disclosure of any foreign-derived funding from entities involved in U.S. policy advocacy. Moreover, it urges the Treasury and FBI to address ongoing non-registration concerns related to the Singham network under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and for state and local policymakers to ensure transparency about the funding of advocacy groups involved in discussions on data centers.

For further insights and a detailed overview of the influence networks, access the full report and its accompanying graphics mapping this extensive influence at the Bitcoin Policy Institute's official website.