Three Types of Chinese Disinformation Groups

Much like Western internet culture, the online space in China can be equally as toxic. Online actors (both CCP aligned and privately organised groups) continue to disrupt the online space.

Background

(U) It has long been believed that the Chinese government employs as many as 2,000,000 people to covertly add a significant amount of pseudonymous and other deceptive writings to the stream of legitimate social media posts, passing them off as the sincere viewpoints of everyday people.

(U) Through the employment of these people, the Chinese government is able to influence political and social discourse. It’s been estimated that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is responsible for the fabrication and posting of 448 million social media comments a year.

(U) Further, online discourse between disinformation groups outside of CCP directed activity is equally toxic - with private entities employing armies of people to discredit a competitor or rival.

(U) This report will outline three main types of internet users in China who engage in disinformation and the activities that they conduct.