Google published a blog post about GLASSBRIDGE, a group of four companies that operate networks of inauthentic news sites and newswire services. These firms bulk-create and operate hundreds of domains posing as independent news websites from dozens of countries, but publish thematically similar, inauthentic content emphasizing narratives aligned with the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s political interests. Google has blocked over a thousand GLASSBRIDGE-operated websites from Google News and Discover for violating policies prohibiting deceptive behavior and requiring editorial transparency.
This report is concerning due to the spread of misinformation and its potential impact on public discourse. It’s interesting that these firms employ various methods to disseminate narratives, including republishing articles from PRC state media, press releases, and custom-created content. Users must be aware of these campaigns and take steps to verify the information they consume.
