Fake news a threat to all
In this era of information overload, news media play a critical role in shaping public opinion. However, when fake news becomes a national propaganda tool, its influence is startling.
Research in the past few years shows a shocking reality: More than 100 Web sites are spreading fake news in Europe, Latin America and Asia — and are doing so in the service of the Chinese government, disseminating disinformation with a pro-Beijing bent.
The Web sites are not merely elements of information warfare, but part of a spirited strategy and full-scale cross-border fake news production line. The goal is to shape China’s international image while smearing political rivals, particularly the US and its allies.
This not only threatens the free-flow of factual information, but challenges the foundations of democratic societies.
Research from Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto shows that Shenzhen, China-based Haimaiyunxiang Media Co is behind the 100-site network. On the surface, Haimaiyunxiang appears to be a marketing firm, but behind the curtains is the Chinese government and its digital influence activities. The scope of these efforts include more than 30 countries across Eurasia and Latin America. This has been nicknamed the “media great wall.”
At government direction and with civic implementation, this model shows how China is manipulating global information, attempting to shape international public discourse.
The tactics used by these fake news sites are varied, including creating what appear to be legitimate news sites, publishing articles in local languages that includes real information to raise the believability of their articles.
The strategy ensures that fake information could be picked up by local media, which in turn would influence public opinion and attitudes in Beijing’s favor.
Some of the content used is derived from conspiracy theories, such as blaming the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic on the US. This is just one of several common tactics used by the news sites.
The Chinese government-sponsored dissemination campaign not only creates a threat to target countries’ governments and social stability, but also harms the health of the global information ecosystem, with potentially far-reaching long-term consequences, such as the erosion of trust and social stability.
When it becomes difficult to discern real news from fake news, public trust is sure to wear away. The foundations of democratic systems — the power of citizens to make choices based on real information — could also be challenged.
A joint response from international society is needed to tackle the threat of cross-border fake news. Such efforts should include campaigns to increase people’s ability to discern fake news from real news, and bolster the sharing and cooperation of international news outlets, as well as implement severe sanctions against distributors of fake news.
Only through international cooperation and joint efforts could we guarantee the flow of factual information and safeguard the foundations of democratic societies.
Chueh Li
Taipei
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