Asia Press Agency

Tag: disinformation

  • Citizen Lab Exposes Pro-China Content Network

    Citizen Lab Exposes Pro-China Content Network

    A recent investigation by digital watchdog Citizen Lab has uncovered a widespread influence campaign spanning over 100 websites posing as local news outlets across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. These sites have been found to disseminate pro-China content linked to a Beijing-based public relations firm, Shenzhen Haimaiyunxiang Media Co., Ltd., also known as Haimai.

     

    According to Citizen Lab’s research report released on Wednesday, the propaganda material on these websites is interspersed with news aggregated from legitimate local news outlets and Chinese state media. Alberto Fittarelli, a researcher involved in the report, highlighted the risk of inadvertent amplification by local media and target audiences due to the proliferation of these websites and their adaptation to local languages and content.

     

    The content featured on these sites ranges from conspiracy theories, often targeting the United States or its allies, to articles attacking Beijing’s critics. One notable example is a piece blaming American scientists for “leaking” COVID-19. While it is uncommon for researchers to directly link such operations to specific entities, Citizen Lab has traced this campaign back to Shenzhen Haimaiyunxiang Media Co., Ltd.

     

    Despite requests for comment, the company remained silent on the matter, and attempts to reach them via phone were unsuccessful. However, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington dismissed allegations of disinformation, labeling them as biased and reflective of double standards.

     

    Among the websites identified in this campaign is Roma Journal, which masquerades as a local Italian news outlet. While its headlines discuss topics like the Italian prime minister’s political prospects and local events, a “press releases” section on its homepage redirects to Chinese state media articles promoting narratives favorable to Beijing.

     

    A significant portion of the content found on these websites is sourced from a press releases service called Times Newswire. Analysts at cybersecurity firm Mandiant had previously identified this service as a central component of a separate Chinese influence operation targeting U.S. audiences.

     

    Experts tracking online influence campaigns note that China, alongside Russia and Iran, is one of the major sources of such operations. Meta, the parent company of social media giant Facebook, highlighted the increasing prevalence and global reach of Chinese influence operations in a report published in November.

     

    Following the discovery of several of these websites in South Korea and Italy, further investigations were conducted by Citizen Lab. South Korea’s National Cyber Security Center exposed 18 of these sites in a report last November, also linking the operation to Shenzhen Haimaiyunxiang Media Co., Ltd. In Italy, it was reported that Roma Journal was not legally registered as a news outlet.

     

    Despite the low engagement observed on these sites, experts caution against underestimating the significance of such campaigns. The continued funding and operation of these influence efforts suggest their perceived value to the entities behind them, indicating that they are likely to persist in the foreseeable future.

  • Spread of Fake News Attributing Statements to Chief Justice

    Spread of Fake News Attributing Statements to Chief Justice

    The Supreme Court of India has brought attention to the concerning issue of fake news circulating on social media platforms. A fabricated statement, falsely attributed to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, advocating street protests against the government, has been shared widely. This misleading quote was accompanied by a file photograph of the CJI, further lending it an air of authenticity.

     

    The post, which has gained traction on social media, displayed CJI Chandrachud supposedly calling for citizens to take to the streets in protest against the Central government. The quote, while fictitious, read, “We are trying our best to save the Constitution of India, democracy of India, but your cooperation is also very important for this. All the people should unite and come out on the streets and ask the government about their rights…this dictatorial government will scare people, threaten but you don’t have to be afraid, keep courage and ask the government to account. I am with you.”

     

    In response to this disinformation, the Supreme Court’s Public Relations Office (PRO) issued a press note denouncing the fake news and clarifying that no such statement had been issued by the Chief Justice of India nor had he authorized any such post. The PRO categorically labeled the circulated post as “fake” and “ill-intended.”

     

    The PRO also highlighted the fact that the fabricated social media post had employed a file photograph of the CJI, adding an element of deception to the falsehood. The Supreme Court emphasized that appropriate action was being taken in response to this issue and that law enforcement authorities were involved in addressing the dissemination of false information.

     

    The circulation of fake news has become a significant concern globally, with its potential to mislead the public, influence opinions, and cause societal unrest. The Supreme Court’s response reflects the gravity of the situation, as the spread of misinformation can erode trust in institutions and have far-reaching consequences.

     

    In a world increasingly reliant on social media for information dissemination, combating fake news has become a priority to maintain the accuracy and integrity of information shared online. The case of false attribution of statements to the Chief Justice of India underscores the need for vigilance and responsible sharing of information on digital platforms.