Taiwan Faces Escalating Disinformation Campaign from China, Targeting Youth on Social Media
Taipei – Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) has released a concerning report detailing a significant surge in disinformation originating from China in 2024. The report, titled "China’s Disinformation Dissemination Patterns in 2024," reveals a 60% increase in the spread of "controversial information," reaching a staggering 2.16 million pieces compared to 1.33 million in 2023. This alarming escalation highlights China’s intensified efforts to manipulate public opinion and sow discord within Taiwanese society, particularly among younger demographics.
A key finding of the report is the strategic shift in China’s disinformation tactics, focusing on platforms popular among younger audiences. While Facebook remains the primary battleground, with over 900,000 instances of disinformation recorded, the growth rate on other platforms is even more dramatic. Video channels, online forums, and X (formerly Twitter) saw increases of 151%, 664%, and 244% respectively, indicating a concerted effort to reach and influence Taiwan’s youth.
The report highlights the significant role of online forums, primarily PTT, Dcard, and Mobile01, in disseminating disinformation. These platforms, largely frequented by younger users, witnessed a dramatic surge in activity, becoming the second most prominent channel for spreading misleading information in 2024, after being barely noticeable in the previous year. This shift underscores China’s evolving strategy to exploit platforms favored by specific demographics.
The NSB’s report also sheds light on the use of inauthentic accounts to amplify the spread of disinformation. A total of 28,216 such accounts were identified in 2024, a significant increase from 16,555 in 2023. Facebook hosted the majority of these accounts, with 21,967 identified, but TikTok saw an explosive 1,614% increase to 4,371, further demonstrating the exploitation of platforms favored by younger users. These inauthentic accounts, often characterized by incomplete profiles, unusual activity patterns, and alignment with Chinese propaganda, are used to flood comment sections, spread manipulated content, and impersonate Taiwanese citizens and military personnel.
The NSB report details the diverse tactics employed in this disinformation campaign, ranging from manipulating videos and memes to sophisticated AI-driven techniques. The use of artificial intelligence allows for the mass production of fake content, while deepfake technology is employed to fabricate video clips of Taiwanese political figures, potentially distorting their words and actions. These advanced methods pose a significant threat to the integrity of information and public trust.
Furthermore, the report uncovers the creation of fake multilingual websites masquerading as legitimate news sources, aimed at influencing international opinion against Taiwan and in favor of China. These websites, including the Czech "Bohemia Daily" and the Spanish "Güell Herald," represent a sophisticated attempt to shape global narratives and undermine Taiwan’s international standing. The report emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the disinformation campaign, extending beyond Taiwan’s borders to manipulate international perceptions. The NSB has declared that the primary themes of this disinformation campaign include sowing skepticism about U.S. support for Taiwan, undermining confidence in the Taiwanese military and President Lai Ching-te, and exacerbating social divisions within the country. While the NSB has stated that their definition of "controversial information" is synonymous with disinformation, they have declined to disclose the specific methodology used to compile these figures. This lack of transparency raises questions about the data collection process and warrants further investigation. The escalating disinformation campaign underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness, media literacy, and robust countermeasures to protect Taiwan’s democratic processes and social cohesion.