Since 2022, Google has taken significant measures to combat the spread of fake news supporting China by blocking thousands of websites from its Google News and Google Discover platforms.
The Threat Intelligence Team at The Hacker News recently reported that Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) uncovered a pro-China campaign known as Glassbridge. This initiative employs a network of fake news websites and publishing services to promote narratives that align with Chinese political agendas.
According to researchers from TAG, these counterfeit news sites are operated by various digital media companies that pose as independent news outlets. They often repackage content from Chinese state media, press releases, and other materials that seem to be sanctioned by their sources.
The operations under the Glassbridge campaign demonstrate a shift in tactics employed by information actors. They extend beyond traditional social media to disseminate Chinese viewpoints. These networks are capable of customizing content for specific regions and presenting it as credible news and editorial content.
In a related development, Microsoft has also reported a cyber threat originating from China, referred to as Storm-2077. This group is believed to utilize phishing emails to acquire login information related to eDiscovery applications, aiming to exploit emails that may contain sensitive data. The activities associated with this threat are thought to have been ongoing since at least January 2024, targeting sectors such as defense, aviation, telecommunications, finance, and legal services on a global scale.