According to an article by The Register, Google has taken down over 1,000 fake news websites connected to pro-China narratives. This network, called “Glassbridge,” included fake news sites and YouTube channels, all removed from Google News and Discover for spreading misleading content aligned with China’s political interests.
Glassbridge involved companies like Shanghai Haixun Technology, Times Newswire, Durinbridge, and Shenzhen Bowen Media. These companies pretended to be independent news sources while sharing pro-China stories disguised as real news.
Sometimes, they mixed in unrelated topics like conspiracy theories or personal attacks to make the content seem more authentic.
Shanghai Haixun Technology stood out as the largest player, running over 600 websites. These groups used PR firms to distribute their content, making it harder to trace back to the source.
Google noted that this network represents a shift in how misinformation spreads, moving beyond social media to news platforms. Similar tactics have also been seen in Russian and Iranian campaigns.
This isn’t the only network of its kind. Another group, Dragonbridge, has also been active in spreading pro-China narratives. Its content often appears on sites connected to Durinbridge and Shenzhen Bowen, showing how these efforts are interconnected.
Since 2022, Google has been removing deceptive content like this to promote transparency and protect users. Its recent actions against Glassbridge are part of this ongoing effort to stop the spread of misinformation online.
This is a reminder always to question the sources behind the news you read and stay informed.
