A Chinese Firm Built AI-Driven Influence Profiles On More Than 2,000 American Public Figures

Vanderbilt University researchers revealed that GoLaxy used AI to build detailed data profiles of at least 117 sitting US lawmakers and over 2,000 public figures, capable of generating persona-based messaging tailored to each target’s psychological profile. The same firm ran parallel influence campaigns in Hong Kong and Taiwan, demonstrating an ability to deliver customized narratives at individual scale.

Reported by: Foreign Affairs / research summary via Vanderbilt findings, August 2026

Norm's Take

Personalized, psychologically targeted influence operations are no longer a future threat model, they are an operating capability aimed at named individuals today. Any executive with public visibility should assume their own communications history is already being used to build a targeting profile.

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Norm Murray, CEO and Founder of Norm E. Murray
About the author
Norm Murray
AI Leadership Advisor · Psychologist · Economist
Norm advises CEOs, boards and senior leaders on the psychology and economics of AI adoption: what AI does to leaders and organizations, not just what it does. He has led global businesses across multiple continents and writes The Norm Report for executives navigating the AI shift.
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