Meta Exposes China's Online Influence Operations Targeting Elections

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has reported that China has become the third most common source of foreign influence operations on social media, behind Russia and Iran. Meta has taken down five networks of fake accounts originating in China this year, targeting various countries and regions. The Chinese campaigns aim to promote Chinese interests, defend Beijing's human rights record, and attack government critics. The tactics used by these networks vary, but they have struggled to gain an authentic audience. Meta also revealed that Russia remains the most prolific source of coordinated influence operations, with a recent focus on undermining international support for Ukraine. However, efforts to combat foreign interference online have faced legal and political pressure, leading to a breakdown in coordination between tech companies, civil society groups, researchers, and federal agencies.