Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Henry Belot

Social media campaign linked to Chinese government spreading disinformation about Australian politics, thinktank says

A Chinese government supporter waves a Chinese flag outside Parliament House in Canberra
Social media posts spreading disinformation about Australian politics are believed to be the work of Spamouflage, a Chinese state-aligned foreign interference operation that has targeted many nations. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPA

A coordinated foreign influence campaign linked to the Chinese government is using social media to undermine confidence in Australia’s democratic system, according to researchers at a Canberra-based defence thinktank.

The researchers believe the network is operating from within China and is either spreading disinformation about Australian politics or amplifying concerns about political scandals. They reference rape allegations made by the former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins and against the former attorney general Christian Porter, which he strongly denies.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.