WeChat works as channel for China disinformation campaigns

According to researchers, Chinese Australians are the main target of disinformation campaigns from China via WeChat. This messaging application is used by millions of people in Australia, particularly by the Chinese diaspora in the country. WeChat is not blocked in China, contrary to many other social media platforms, making it easier for people to communicate with friends and family in China. Osmond Chiu, from the Per Capita think tank, explained that the application has been used to spread disinformation about COVID-19, disseminating fear among Chinese Australians. Chiu also claimed that the particularities of WeChat make it more difficult to detect and take action against these kinds of disinformation campaigns.