Meta Takes Down China's Disinformation Network

A massive social media disinformation campaign linked to Chinese law enforcement has been dismantled, according to Meta, Taylor Hatmaker reported this for TechCrunch.

On Facebook alone, Meta removed 7,704 accounts, 954 pages, and 15 groups associated with the disinformation operation. I Photo: Mark Zuckerberg Facebook

In its report on what Meta calls "coordinated inauthentic behavior" — typically covert state-sponsored social media campaigns designed to shape public opinion — the company detailed the discovery of a vast network of fake accounts, pages, and groups promoting positive talking points about China.

On Facebook alone, Meta removed 7,704 accounts, 954 pages, and 15 groups associated with the disinformation operation.

The scale of this activity amounted to "what appears to be the largest known cross-platform covert influence operation in the world."

The campaign wasn't confined to Facebook and Instagram, as it extended to 50 other platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, Pinterest, Medium, and numerous smaller sites.

Meta's researchers noted that this network typically posted positive commentary about China and its province Xinjiang, along with criticisms of the US, Western foreign policies, and critics of Beijing, including journalists and researchers.

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