Long known for its out-and-out censorship, Beijing now appears to be filling Chinese social media with pro-government messages. The new tack was on full display after the Thursday indictment of fallen Communist Party member Bo Xilai, who was busted for corruption and abuse of power in 2012. While China’s social media censors were surely working overtime in the wake of the indictment, so too were its copywriters. On Sina Weibo, the country’s top social media platform, the main news feed echoed sentiments that were eerily similar to those espoused by China’s state-run media.
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Beijing's 'Water Army' Swamps Social Media
Posted by: David Vranicar July 25, 2013 05:00 PMLong known for its out-and-out censorship, Beijing now appears to be filling Chinese social media with pro-government messages. The new tack was on full display after the Thursday indictment of fallen Communist Party member Bo Xilai, who was busted for corruption and abuse of power in 2012. While China’s social media censors were surely working overtime in the wake of the indictment, so too were its copywriters. On Sina Weibo, the country’s top social media platform, the main news feed echoed sentiments that were eerily similar to those espoused by China’s state-run media.