On 18 December 2023, The Conversation reported that the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) uncovered “Operation Shadow Play,” a network of about 30 YouTube channels with approximately 730,000 subscribers, responsible for disseminating pro-China propaganda. This network, which has collectively posted around 4,500 videos garnering about 120 million views, uses generative AI technology to produce and publish content. This strategy exploits YouTube’s algorithm to enhance visibility and influence public opinion in the English-speaking world. Despite uncertainties about the operation’s controllers, likely Mandarin-speaking, their profile does not match any known state actor in online influence operations, suggesting a commercial entity with potential state direction. This development highlights the rapid evolution of advanced influence operations and their challenge to existing defenses against such tactics.
ChinaDecember 22 2023, 3:35 am
Widespread AI-Driven Pro-China Propaganda on YouTube Exposed
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