Unmasking the Covert Operation: Manipulating Taiwan Election Discourse Online

Researchers have uncovered a campaign aimed at manipulating online conversations about the upcoming elections in Taiwan. The campaign involved hundreds of fake social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, and utilized Chinese-language memes and videos to favor the political party in Taiwan that is considered more pro-China while criticizing its main rival. The operation featured tactics such as using stolen profile pictures and emphasizing stories about an egg shortage. While the tech platforms have removed most of the activity, experts warn that more influence operations are likely to come ahead of the 2024 election.