On Monday, investor and television personality Kevin O’Leary said that a months-long investigation by his team uncovered a coordinated online campaign targeting energy infrastructure and AI data center projects across North America.
AI Data Center Backlash Triggered Investigation
Speaking in a video, O’Leary said his team began investigating after noticing a sudden surge in social media activity related to a Utah data center project on May 4.
According to O’Leary, his staff detected an unusual spike in direct messages and posts across X and Instagram, with activity increasing by “tens of thousands of percent.”
He said initial reviews suggested the presence of automated bot accounts and coordinated messaging originating both inside and outside the U.S.
“We realized… There [are] bots operating here,” O’Leary said. “There are nefarious accounts out of the country dumping stuff that’s completely false about Utah.”
Kevin O’Leary Alleges IRS Filings Revealed Funding Networks
O’Leary said he hired an “advanced data science team” to analyze IP addresses, online activity and public nonprofit filings, including IRS 990 documents.
He alleged the investigation connected online campaigns to activist organizations, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation and the People’s Dispatch, Salt Lake Party for Socialism and Liberation, Salt Lake Democratic Socialists of America, Cuban Institute for Friendship with the People and Alliance for a Better Utah.
“We’re talking about millions, hundreds of millions of dollars here,” O’Leary said. “It’s not just Utah. These guys are doing campaigns everywhere.”
O’Leary Says Evidence Was Shared With Federal Agencies
O’Leary said he shared a 90-page report containing IP data, funding records and organizational connections with federal law enforcement and contacts within the White House.
“This isn’t speculation,” he wrote on X. “The filings, funding records, dates and connections are documented.”
However, O’Leary did not publicly release the report or provide independent evidence verifying claims that foreign-linked entities coordinated the alleged campaigns.
O’Leary, White House, Alliance for a Better Utah and Salt Lake Democratic Socialists of America did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.
Data Centers Face Growing Political, Environmental Scrutiny
Last week, O’Leary highlighted findings from the Bitcoin Policy Institute alleging that foreign actors could be shaping U.S. conversations around AI infrastructure and energy expansion.
The investor has faced criticism over his major AI data center project in Utah, where opponents have raised concerns about fossil fuel reliance, water usage and potential environmental impacts — concerns O’Leary has largely downplayed.
Meanwhile, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has urged federal authorities to investigate the environmental effects of data center development after residents living near Meta Platforms, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:META) Georgia facility reported issues including discolored well water, reduced water pressure and damage to household appliances.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Kathy Hutchins on Shutterstock.com
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