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Google takes down fake news sites, wire services run by Chinese influence operation

Topic Details
Operation Details Google removed hundreds of domains running pro-China content, attributed to four Chinese companies: Shanghai Haixun Technology, Times Newswire, Durinbridge, and Shenzhen Bowen Media. These companies operate fake news sites to push pro-China narratives globally.
Research Findings Identified as “Glassbridge,” the operation featured bulk-created fake domains targeting regions worldwide, promoting Beijing’s narratives on topics like Taiwan, Xinjiang, and South China Sea. Many domains republished content from Chinese state media.
Takedown Actions Google blocked over 1,000 domains and YouTube channels tied to the campaign since 2022. Sites violated policies on editorial transparency and deceptive behavior.
Methods of Influence Sites posed as independent local news outlets. They mixed low-quality, repetitive content with Beijing-aligned news. PR firms and freelancers on platforms like Fiverr promoted these narratives.
Past Campaigns Similar tactics were seen in the “Paperwall” operation (tracked by Citizen Lab), involving 100+ fake news sites mimicking local outlets. Russian and Iranian actors also employ similar approaches.
Emerging Challenges Reports highlight the rise of “Pink Slime” content: fake, AI-driven news sites spreading propaganda. The decline of legitimate local journalism and tools like ChatGPT amplify these issues.
Examples of Targeted Narratives Included claims about U.S. biological experiments, attacks on Chinese virologist Yan Limeng, and consistent pro-PRC messaging.

Read full article : https://therecord.media/google-fake-news-china-outlets

Disclaimer: The above summary has been generated by an AI language model

Source: The Record

Published on: November 22, 2024

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