X Takes Decisive Action Against Disinformation Network Targeting Philippine President Marcos Jr.
Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has taken a significant step in combating disinformation by permanently suspending 24 out of 25 Chinese-named accounts identified as part of a coordinated campaign targeting Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. This decisive action follows an investigative report by PressOnePH, which exposed the network’s activities and highlighted their potential to manipulate public opinion and sow discord within the Philippine political landscape. The suspensions underscore X’s commitment to upholding its platform guidelines, which prioritize safety, privacy, authenticity, and responsible advertising practices.
The suspended accounts were initially flagged in November 2024 after X detected suspicious and unusual activity, leading to their temporary restriction. PressOnePH’s subsequent investigation revealed a pattern of coordinated posting behavior, with the accounts sharing identical content aimed at discrediting President Marcos Jr. and amplifying narratives critical of his administration. The content disseminated included the resurfacing of a previously debunked video involving President Marcos Jr. and promoting articles from Chinese media outlets that condemned the United States’ support for the Philippines’ maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea. This targeted dissemination of misinformation raised concerns about potential foreign interference in domestic affairs and the manipulation of online discourse.
The disinformation campaign also exploited pre-existing political tensions within the Philippines by highlighting reports of disagreements between President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. By amplifying these narratives, the network sought to further exacerbate political divisions and undermine the stability of the Marcos administration. The timing of certain posts, particularly the resurfacing of the debunked video shortly after President Marcos Jr. signed landmark legislation reinforcing the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea, suggests a deliberate attempt to undermine his credibility and achievements on the international stage.
The two additional Chinese-named X accounts identified by PressOnePH in late 2024 further exemplify the coordinated nature of the disinformation campaign. These accounts, created in September 2024, each shared only two posts in October of that year. The posts mirrored content disseminated by the larger network, including the debunked video and a Reuters investigation on an alleged US Pentagon smear campaign against the Sinovac vaccine. This consistent messaging across multiple accounts points to a centralized effort to control and disseminate specific narratives. The inclusion of the Sinovac vaccine narrative further suggests an attempt to sow distrust in Western institutions and promote alternative narratives favored by certain foreign actors.
The permanent suspension of these accounts represents a significant victory in the fight against online disinformation. By taking decisive action, X has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its platform and protecting users from manipulative tactics. However, the ongoing investigation by PressOnePH, which has identified nearly a hundred accounts potentially involved in coordinated disinformation campaigns, underscores the pervasive nature of this challenge. This highlights the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between social media platforms, news organizations, and government agencies to effectively counter these threats.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of democratic processes to manipulation in the digital age. Disinformation campaigns, often orchestrated by hidden actors, can exploit social media platforms to spread propaganda, sow discord, and undermine public trust in institutions. The case of the Chinese-named accounts targeting President Marcos Jr. highlights the need for increased media literacy among citizens, robust fact-checking mechanisms, and continued efforts by social media companies to identify and neutralize coordinated disinformation networks. The ongoing investigation by PressOnePH serves as a crucial step in exposing these operations and holding those responsible accountable. As the battle against disinformation continues, constant vigilance and proactive measures are essential to safeguard democratic values and ensure the integrity of online information.