The campaigns, reportedly led by at least 30 Youtube “guerilla influencer”channels producing more than 4,500 pro-China and anti-US videos, are a “coordinated inauthentic influence campaign originating on Youtube”.
Despite these efforts, China’s state media faces challenges in balancing control with credibility. Chinese media typically reports on the country in a positive, solutions-focused way, highlighting its successes and downplaying problems.
While this approach may be normalised within the country, where “propaganda” does not necessarily carry a negative connotation, it is less effective abroad. Foreign audiences, accustomed to media that often criticizes the government, are, likely to find the relentlessly positive coverage unconvincing, according to City AM.
It’s concerning to see how China is using AI and ‘guerrilla influencers’ to manipulate information and shape international perceptions. The tactics employed, such as flooding YouTube with biased content, are alarming. It’s vital for audiences to remain critical and discerning in the face of such propaganda.