• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stirred a global discussion after reacting to an explosive report that alleges Chinese and Russian operatives are using seduction and deception to infiltrate the American technology industry.

Responding to The Times (UK) exposé, Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter), “If she’s a 10, you’re an asset.” The brief but sharp comment quickly went viral, amassing millions of views within hours. The billionaire’s quip, half-humorous and half-warning, has since fueled widespread debate about the vulnerabilities of tech professionals and the growing threat of “sex warfare” in the industry.

What Is ‘Sex Warfare’?

According to The Times report, foreign intelligence agencies, particularly from China and Russia, are allegedly deploying agents who form romantic or sexual relationships with individuals in sensitive sectors such as artificial intelligence, defence, and aerospace.

Officials cited by The Times say the operatives often pose as entrepreneurs, investors, or even potential partners to gain trust and access confidential data. Some reportedly go as far as marrying their targets and starting families to strengthen their cover.

“This is not a new phenomenon, but the frequency and sophistication have grown. China is targeting our startups, academic institutions, and innovators, it’s all part of an economic warfare strategy,” Jeff Stoff, a former US national security analyst, said to The Times.

Espionage In Age of AI and Startups

Experts quoted in the report said espionage has shifted from traditional spycraft to subtler, more personal manipulation. Intelligence officers warn that “the battlefield” now includes dating apps, professional networking sites like LinkedIn, and tech conferences.

James Mulvenon, Chief Intelligence Officer at Pamir Consulting, described the trend as “the Wild West.” He revealed that he regularly receives suspicious LinkedIn requests from accounts using photos of young, attractive women. “It’s coordinated and systematic,” he said.

The US National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) has urged Silicon Valley companies to enhance behavioral monitoring and insider-threat training. Officials fear that economic espionage now costs the U.S. economy up to USD 600 billion annually, with China responsible for a majority of cases.

Honeytraps and Pitch Traps

Beyond romance, experts quoted in the report warn of “economic honeytraps,” startup contests, and investment events allegedly organized by Chinese entities. These platforms entice participants to reveal intellectual property, detailed product data, or research ideas, sometimes under the guise of funding opportunities.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk Trolls Amazon During Internet Blackout, Promotes X Chat As ‘Fully Encrypted With No AWS Dependencies’

A biotech CEO cited in the report said he later discovered his company’s federal funding had been frozen after participating in one such event. “They recorded everything, every word, every idea,” he said.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk’s xAI Hires Nvidia Researchers To Develop Next-Gen ‘World Models’

Musk’s viral remark has drawn both amusement and agreement online. Some users called it a “modern proverb for the digital age,” while others accused him of trivializing a serious intelligence threat.

Also In News