Anthropic reports Russian use of Claude AI for disinformation in CAR

A report by US-based AI company Anthropic alleges that Russian agents have used the AI assistant Claude to conduct disinformation campaigns in the Central African Republic (CAR). The report, titled ‘Detecting and Countering Misuse of AI’, details how the technology was used to create propaganda, monitor opposition politicians, and support influence operations in the capital, Bangui.

The content was reportedly used by Radio Lengo Songo, a station identified by the investigative collective All Eyes on Wagner as being funded by Russia. The propaganda aimed to portray the CAR government and the Africa Corps mercenaries in a positive light while criticizing France and local opposition figures.

Researchers noted that the AI was used to frame opposition members as armed militants to provoke security responses. Similar allegations regarding the use of AI for pro-Russian propaganda have been raised in other regions, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Sudan, and Mali.