CCP Manipulates Media Influencers Pushing Beijing Propaganda

On March 30, a U.S. media outlet released a result of a survey showing that the CCP has a huge influence on U.S. social media platforms.

According to the survey results, dozens of CCP state media reporters work under the guise of social media experts to promote CCP propaganda. These people are active on social media and often tell their followers that they create their own content, including shooting videos and photos. But actually, their work is carefully planned and implemented by teams managed by the CCP. These internet celebrities cover everything from everyday life, food, travel, fashion, global events, and so on. Their content contains misleading information to benefit the CCP. They are distributed across multiple social media platforms including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Some platforms have advanced AI recognition functions to remind users that such accounts are state-level propaganda accounts, but not every platform has that feature. As CCP’s overseas propaganda media, CGTN has groomed similar social media influencers, including the so-called talents commonly known as “foreign fifty cents”. They have been cooperating with Reuters, CNN, and the Associated Press. The Chinese consulate also pays some American companies, such as Vippi Media, to increase its influence on American social media.