AI-driven Shadow Play network spreads pro-China propaganda on YouTube
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) revealed an extensive network of at least 30 YouTube channels, called Operation Shadow Play, that used generative AI to produce and publish pro-China and anti-US content. The network exploited YouTube's algorithmic recommendation system to cross-promote videos, gaining about 730,000 subscribers and 120 million views. The operation is alleged to be a coordinated influence campaign, possibly directed by a Mandarin-speaking controller, though the specific actor is unknown.
- Date it happened
- 2023-12-18
- Organisation involved
- Not specified (the operator is unknown)
- Product, system or model
- Shadow Play
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