Cryptocurrency promoters intensify Beijing's propaganda on X
Cryptocurrency Accounts on X Amplify Chinese Propaganda through Spamouflage
In Washington, DC, a concerning trend has been identified where accounts on the social media platform X, known for promoting cryptocurrency content, are amplifying messages from Chinese official accounts. This operation, called "Spamouflage," is a China-linked disinformation campaign aimed at spreading Beijing's propaganda to Western social media users.
According to a report by Voice of America, Spamouflage accounts have been creating narratives around various global issues such as COVID-19, the Ukraine war, the Gaza conflict, and China's human rights record, all to promote Beijing's interests. These accounts, although bots, appear to act as genuine sources of information.
VOA Mandarin and DoubleThink Lab, a social media analytics firm in Taiwan, have identified a group of cryptocurrency accounts involved in this propaganda promotion. The investigation revealed 1,153 bot accounts used to boost client visibility, suggesting a coordinated effort to influence Western social media discourse.
ChainGPT and LondonRealTV, major cryptocurrency accounts on X owned by British podcaster Brian Rose, have been found sharing content with 17 Spamouflage accounts. Notably, these accounts have reposted content from a Spamouflage account known as Watermelon Cloth, which has praised China's developments while criticizing social inequalities in the US, Ukraine, and Israel. This account was recently suspended from X.
Spamouflage, first detected by US-based social media firm Graphika, is an online operation that spreads pro-China propaganda and criticizes Western countries through social media posts, aiming to sway public opinion.
Doubts Revealed
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a type of digital money that uses special technology called blockchain to keep transactions secure. Unlike regular money, it doesn't have a physical form like coins or notes.
X
In this context, 'X' refers to a platform or service where these cryptocurrency accounts are active. It could be a social media platform or a digital space where people interact.
Chinese Propaganda
Chinese propaganda refers to information spread by the Chinese government to promote its ideas and policies. It often aims to influence people's opinions in favor of China.
Spamouflage
Spamouflage is a term used to describe a disinformation campaign that uses fake accounts to spread propaganda. It's like a camouflage made of spam, where spam means unwanted or fake messages.
Voice of America
Voice of America is a news organization funded by the U.S. government. It provides news and information to people around the world, including about events in China.
DoubleThink Lab
DoubleThink Lab is a research organization that studies how information is spread online. They look at how fake news and propaganda affect people's opinions.
Bot Accounts
Bot accounts are fake online profiles controlled by computer programs. They can automatically post messages and interact with real users to spread information.
Beijing's Interests
Beijing's interests refer to the goals and policies of the Chinese government, which is based in Beijing, the capital of China. These interests can include political, economic, and social objectives.
Graphika
Graphika is a company that analyzes social media data to understand how information spreads online. They help identify fake accounts and disinformation campaigns.
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