China’s Propaganda Network Targets Exiled Critic and His Teenage Daughter with Sexist and Violent Harassment
Deng Yuwen, a prominent Chinese writer living in exile in the suburbs of Philadelphia, has been subjected to a vicious online harassment campaign. The harassment, which also targets his teenage daughter, is believed to be orchestrated by Spamouflage, a covert propaganda network linked to China’s security services. This campaign represents a disturbing escalation of China’s efforts to silence dissent and intimidate critics, with researchers from Clemson University and Meta documenting the network’s activities.
Key Takeaways:
- A covert propaganda network, known as Spamouflage or Dragonbridge, is targeting Deng Yuwen and his 16-year-old daughter with sexually suggestive and threatening posts on social media platforms. These posts falsely accuse the daughter of drug use, arson, and prostitution, appearing on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and even community websites like Patch and Niche.
- The harassment campaign is part of China’s broader efforts to silence critics, both within and outside of its borders. This includes the targeting of dissidents in the United States, with the FBI describing China’s tactics as "intense, almost Mafia-style pressure."
- China’s relentless use of online disinformation campaigns represents a growing threat to global stability and democratic values. While some platforms have taken steps to remove harmful content, the effectiveness of these efforts is hampered by the persistent nature of the attacks and the limited consequences for those responsible.
A Targeted Campaign of Harassment
The harassment against Deng Yuwen and his daughter began as a result of his February article comparing Xi Jinping’s inner circle to the infamous Gang of Four under Mao Zedong. The attacks escalated quickly, spreading across multiple platforms and targeting both father and daughter. The content is often crude and sexually explicit, with forged images and vicious rumors designed to inflict maximum emotional damage.
A Pattern of Online Repression
China’s campaign against Deng Yuwen is part of a broader trend of online intimidation that has become increasingly common in recent years. The use of Spamouflage networks, which create fake accounts to spread disinformation and harass critics, has been documented in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Canada, and now the United States. The goal is not only to silence dissent but to erode trust in democratic institutions and processes.
The Challenges of Fighting Back
While tech companies like Meta and Google have taken steps to remove accounts involved in disinformation campaigns, the persistent nature of these attacks presents a challenge for law enforcement and policymakers. The Spamouflage network operates with impunity, often from within China, making it difficult to identify and prosecute those responsible. Moreover, the sheer volume and relentlessness of the harassment can be emotionally draining for those targeted.
A Call for Action
Experts and policymakers alike are calling for a coordinated effort to address China’s aggressive online propaganda. This includes greater transparency from tech companies about their efforts to combat disinformation, increased investment in cybersecurity and digital forensics, and a more robust legal framework to hold perpetrators accountable.
The ongoing harassment of Deng Yuwen and his daughter highlights the urgency of this task. As long as China is able to operate with impunity, its attempts to stifle dissent and undermine democratic principles will continue to pose a significant threat to individuals and societies alike.
