fake AI-generated openmod forum applications
Robbie Morrison
Hello all
For those unaware, the openmod runs several services, including a discussion forum. More here.
Our forum is managed directly, runs on open‑source software, and is hosted within the European Union to gain personal data privacy and other statutory protections.
There has been a noticeable increase in fake applications for this forum generated by AI. Screening these out is made more difficult by the fact that some genuine applicants use ChatGPT to create their initial responses, thereby creating equally bland text. Seeking specifics is our best defense. Some example of fake requests:
Thanks Nhat, I need something specific that I can verify myself. We have a lot of AI generated applications these days. I hope you understand that I need to keep this community safe.
Oh, that's great since we have some angel human guardians like you! Many thanks and have a nice weekend!
And this response, after asking for details:
I am interested in energy modeling as a geologist because it helps to predict the flow/movement of oil, gas, geothermal heat and ground water through the subsurface rocks.
Open source projects are also encountering similar problems. Linus talks about this in a recent YouTube:
- Linus Torvalds — talks about AI hype, GPU power, and Linux's future (SavvyNik) (20 November 2025) (00:11:09) : https://youtu.be/NjGHrDnPxwI?t=373
In this video, Daniel Stenberg from the cURL project was cited as facing a deluge of "AI generated slop .. security reports". Linux Torvalds responds to a question on this matter by saying that for the Linux kernel receives "bug reports and security notices that are clearly basically made up by people who have misused AI and it does take resources away from maintainers"
just for your information, with best wishes, Robbie (and Leo, also a forum admin)
-- Robbie Morrison Address: Schillerstrasse 85, 10627 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49.30.612-87617