Google Deindexes Chinese Propaganda Network
Summary:
Google has uncovered a sophisticated pro-China influence network operated by four public relations firms, collectively tracked as "GlassBridge." Active since at least 2022, this network has leveraged deceptive online tactics to spread Chinese state narratives to international audiences. In its November 22 report, Google’s Threat Intelligence Group revealed it had removed hundreds of domains tied to this operation from its search and news indexes, citing violations of policies against deceptive behavior and a lack of editorial transparency. The GlassBridge network includes four firms: Shanghai Haixun Technology, Shenzhen Haimai Yunxiang Media, Shenzhen Bowen Media, and a fourth unidentified company referred to as DurinBridge. These entities, while posing as independent outlets, collaborate in hosting over 1,000 fake news sites that amplify Chinese propaganda.
The network operates through two key newswire services, Times Newswire and World Newswire, distributing repurposed and original content designed to bolster pro-China narratives. Much of this content includes republications and adaptations of articles from Chinese state media outlets, as well as press releases and commissioned materials. Topics span territorial claims in the South China Sea, the Taiwan issue, Xinjiang controversies, COVID-19 narratives, conspiracy theories, and personal attacks on critics of the Chinese regime. Google researchers identified repeated stories across multiple sites, a tactic aimed at creating the illusion of widespread credibility and consensus.
The firms targeted audiences in dozens of countries outside China, using popular platforms to amplify their messages. Google assessed that the firms might be operating under the direction of a shared client outsourcing the distribution of pro-China content, further suggesting centralized coordination.
Security Officer Comments:
Notably, this campaign reflects a broader evolution in Chinese influence operations, moving beyond social media to deploy imitation news websites and other sophisticated techniques. Google highlighted that these methods align with tactics previously observed in Russian and Iranian influence campaigns, further underscoring the complexity of modern disinformation efforts. At the center of the GlassBridge ecosystem is Shanghai Haixun Technology, hosting over 600 fake news sites, while DurinBridge, Shenzhen Haimai Yunxiang Media, and Shenzhen Bowen Media host over 200 and 100 sites each, respectively. This expansive network amplifies narratives tied to Chinese geopolitical interests and promotes the country’s messaging under the guise of independent news.
Suggested Corrections:
In response, Google has taken significant action, blocking more than 1,000 GlassBridge-associated websites. The company emphasized that these sites violated its policies, which prohibit deceptive practices and require editorial transparency.
Link(s):
https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/google-deindexes-chinese/
https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/glassbridge-pro-prc-influence-operations
Google has uncovered a sophisticated pro-China influence network operated by four public relations firms, collectively tracked as "GlassBridge." Active since at least 2022, this network has leveraged deceptive online tactics to spread Chinese state narratives to international audiences. In its November 22 report, Google’s Threat Intelligence Group revealed it had removed hundreds of domains tied to this operation from its search and news indexes, citing violations of policies against deceptive behavior and a lack of editorial transparency. The GlassBridge network includes four firms: Shanghai Haixun Technology, Shenzhen Haimai Yunxiang Media, Shenzhen Bowen Media, and a fourth unidentified company referred to as DurinBridge. These entities, while posing as independent outlets, collaborate in hosting over 1,000 fake news sites that amplify Chinese propaganda.
The network operates through two key newswire services, Times Newswire and World Newswire, distributing repurposed and original content designed to bolster pro-China narratives. Much of this content includes republications and adaptations of articles from Chinese state media outlets, as well as press releases and commissioned materials. Topics span territorial claims in the South China Sea, the Taiwan issue, Xinjiang controversies, COVID-19 narratives, conspiracy theories, and personal attacks on critics of the Chinese regime. Google researchers identified repeated stories across multiple sites, a tactic aimed at creating the illusion of widespread credibility and consensus.
The firms targeted audiences in dozens of countries outside China, using popular platforms to amplify their messages. Google assessed that the firms might be operating under the direction of a shared client outsourcing the distribution of pro-China content, further suggesting centralized coordination.
Security Officer Comments:
Notably, this campaign reflects a broader evolution in Chinese influence operations, moving beyond social media to deploy imitation news websites and other sophisticated techniques. Google highlighted that these methods align with tactics previously observed in Russian and Iranian influence campaigns, further underscoring the complexity of modern disinformation efforts. At the center of the GlassBridge ecosystem is Shanghai Haixun Technology, hosting over 600 fake news sites, while DurinBridge, Shenzhen Haimai Yunxiang Media, and Shenzhen Bowen Media host over 200 and 100 sites each, respectively. This expansive network amplifies narratives tied to Chinese geopolitical interests and promotes the country’s messaging under the guise of independent news.
Suggested Corrections:
In response, Google has taken significant action, blocking more than 1,000 GlassBridge-associated websites. The company emphasized that these sites violated its policies, which prohibit deceptive practices and require editorial transparency.
Link(s):
https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/google-deindexes-chinese/
https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/glassbridge-pro-prc-influence-operations