logo
Google terminates thousands of YouTube channels as part of investigation into China-linked influence operations

Google terminates thousands of YouTube channels as part of investigation into China-linked influence operations

The Hindu4 days ago
Google has terminated thousands of Youtube accounts and channels posting content that possibly originated from coordinated networks of hostile state operations and were intended to influence watchers' views on key geopolitical issues.
'We terminated 2,598 YouTube channels and blocked 1 domain from eligibility to appear on Google News surfaces and Discover as part of our ongoing investigation into coordinated influence operations linked to the PRC. The coordinated inauthentic network uploaded content in Chinese and English about China and US foreign affairs. These findings are consistent with our previous reports,' noted Google in its Threat Analysis Group (TAG) updates bulletin for the month of June.
Meanwhile, U.S. news outlet CNBC noted that YouTube in the second quarter had removed about 11,000 channels and other accounts that were associated with state-linked propaganda campaigns from China, Russia, and other regions.
This is not the first time Google has taken action against such content. The internet giant noted in the same bulletin that in May it had terminated 3,592 YouTube channels as part of its investigation into coordinated influence operations linked to China.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Modi's Namibia visit powers India's Africa strategy
Modi's Namibia visit powers India's Africa strategy

Hindustan Times

time24 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

Modi's Namibia visit powers India's Africa strategy

In the wake of a closely watched BRICS summit in Brazil, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's maiden visit to Namibia on July 9 has captivated global attention, marking the culmination of a landmark five-nation state visit that included Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil. The state visit, beginning in Ghana and ending in Namibia, underscores India's renewed commitment to Africa and the broader Global South framework. On the other hand, high-level cross-continental itinerary, spanning Latin America to Africa, highlights India's strategic intent to rekindle historic ties and build solidarity among Global South nations — especially at a time when the G77, the largest bloc of developing nations, is seen as increasingly irrelevant. PM Modi's State visit to sub-Saharan region is came at a time when several other western leaders were scheduled or expected to visit the sub-Saharan region. Around the same time, Washington is engaging the West African leaders and contemplating new ways to strengthen ties with Africa, unnerved by Chinese influence in the continent. Although India has historic ties with Namibia – there's a serious gap in State level visit and this heads of government level visit occurs after 27 years. Sam Nujoma, the leader of SWAPO (the party behind independence struggle) and founding president of Namibia, who visited India several times acknowledged India's help during the liberation process. While in Windhoek, Namibia, PM Narendra Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah tabled areas of cooperation such as agriculture, critical minerals, education, digital technology, defence and security, and health care. Earlier this year, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi began his State visit from Namibia — a nation with bilateral trade with China totalling approximately $1.4 billion. The BRI signatory nation is laying Trans-Kalahari Railway and several other infra and connectivity projects, mandating the One China Policy. China accounts about 30% of the nation's foreign trade. Although there's a sharp rise in India's bilateral trade with Namibia the is about $ 600 million. The two countries have pushed for the conclusion of Preferential Trade Agreement between India and South African Customs Union (SACU). Followed by this visit, the two nations are expected to work on boosting trade of items like oil and gas, hydrocarbons, petrol chemicals, crude digital health and critical minerals. The maiden visit of PM Modi to this uranium-rich Namibia was at a time when New Delhi is actively seeking to expand its uranium imports to support its growing nuclear energy drive. Namibia is largest producer of uranium in the world, and it has lithium, zinc, and some other rare earth metals to offer. India has announced plans to import at least 9,000 metric tonne units of uranium between 2025 and 2033 to supply new reactors under the National Nuclear Energy Mission. India has a plan to expand nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047 and the low quality of its domestic reserves is part of a broader effort to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The nation has recently discovered oil and gas reserves, particularly in its offshore Orange Basin. India has a deep interest to explore collaboration in the sphere. The two nations have more to explore areas such as diamond trading. There's a serious issue in direct diamond trading between India and Namibia – Indian side is working to make a way for direct diamond trading. Currently, India sources diamonds from the region via intermediaries such as Dubai, London, or third countries. India and Namibia the two are aspiring nations in the reserving culture and promoting heritage. The Himba tribe in Namibia's Kunene has earned fame for preserving their traditional lifestyle, clothing, and beliefs, remaining unaffected by modern influences. During the visit of PM Modi, India and Namibia signed two MoUs on the setting up of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia and Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine. Namibia also announced starting of a digital payment system by end of the year and entering to India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and Global Bio Fuel Alliance. During his visit, PM Modi was conferred with the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia's highest civilian award. There is also an interesting personal connection between Prime Minister Modi and Namibia: On September 17, 2022, his 72nd birthday, India welcomed its first batch of eight cheetahs from Namibia, marking the historic return of the species to Kuno National Park after decades of local extinction. The release of these cheetahs was overseen by Modi. The nation deserves a very significant place – when India is forming Big Cat Alliance to save tigers. Uranium, critical minerals, digital payment and diamonds are poised to infuse new vitality into the bilateral relationship between New Delhi and Windhoek, illuminating the path for deeper cooperation. Namibia is the second least densely populated country in the world but as the same time it is world's one of most arid countries, with just one per cent territory being arable. In the north of the nation, there's a culture of farming cowpea and millet. India and Namibia may find ways to bring result on irrigation, scarce water management and hybrid-agriculture. India is in a position to help Namibia for innovative agricultural practices to address food insecurity in sub-Saharan region. Under the leadership of first female President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who comes with her foreign ministerial experience the nation is vocal about a chair for Africa at the United Nations Security Council. As both nations look toward meaningful reforms in global governance, this visit has rekindled the bonhomie between New Delhi and Windhoek, laying the foundation for a partnership defined by shared ambition, and a commitment to the progress of the Global South. This article is authored by Ayanangsha Maitra, journalist and programme coordinator, Center of Geoeconomics for the Global South, UAE.

CM Naidu meets Indian High Commissioner in Singapore, investors
CM Naidu meets Indian High Commissioner in Singapore, investors

News18

time33 minutes ago

  • News18

CM Naidu meets Indian High Commissioner in Singapore, investors

Amaravati, Jul 27 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, as part of his five-day visit to Singapore, met the Indian High Commissioner and several investors on Sunday and showcased the state's vast potential. He said that Andhra Pradesh is the most suitable destination for global investments, highlighting strengths in the green energy, electronics, ports, logistics and manufacturing sectors. 'Andhra Pradesh offers abundant opportunities for investment across multiple sectors," said Naidu in an official release. The CM held talks with Indian High Commissioner Shilpak Ambule, who shared insights into Singapore's achievements in diverse areas, its robust economic growth and the effective public policies being implemented there. Naidu shared details of the state's newly introduced policies, aimed at attracting investments across various sectors. The state has set an ambitious target of producing 160 gigawatts of green energy, he added. He informed the High Commissioner that green hydrogen projects have already been launched in Visakhapatnam (in partnership with NTPC) and Kakinada. Under the India Quantum Mission, Andhra Pradesh is set to establish the country's 'first-ever Quantum Valley' in Amaravati, said Naidu, adding that global tech leader Google is setting up a data center in Visakhapatnam. Highlighting Andhra's industrial potential, the CM said Rayalaseema is ideal for defence and aerospace units and urged support to make the state a gateway for Singaporean investments. Ambule informed the CM that on several sectors, the Singaporean companies are exploring investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh, including electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, shipbuilding, port operations, data centers and pharmaceuticals. According to the release, major Asia-Pacific firms headquartered in Singapore, including STT (ST Telemedia)–which specialises in digital infrastructure and data centers and Keppel Corporation–which operates in infrastructure, energy, and urban development have shown interest in investing in Andhra Pradesh. Similarly, Equinix, a global leader in data centers and internet connectivity services and PSA International-a port operating company and logistics firms have shown interest in investing in Andhra Pradesh. The meeting also focused on collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence, startups, medical device research, and academic partnerships between universities in the southern state and Singapore. Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh shared plans for expanding higher education institutions while Municipal Minister P Narayana presented state's housing schemes, inspired by Singapore's successful public housing model. Later, Naidu met the representatives from Surbana Jurong, a global urban infrastructure company who has shown interest in investing in Andhra Pradesh and invited them to join large-scale housing projects under the state's 'Housing for All" initiative. The CM explained that the state is focusing on infrastructure development projects and highlighted the development of 20 ports and 15 airports, positioning itself as a logistics hub. Similarly, Eversendai Engineering, a Malaysia-based construction firm, has shown interest in investing in Andhra Pradesh after its chairman Tan Sri Dato' AK Nathan met Naidu. They discussed plans to set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing factory and integrated training center in the state, with Visakhapatnam or Krishnapatnam shortlisted as possible locations. The proposed factory, spread over two lakh square meters, will aid nationwide product distribution, boost industrial growth, and create large-scale employment opportunities across Andhra Pradesh's emerging industrial zones, said the release. Eversendai also expressed interest in Amaravati's infrastructure projects and proposed a structural engineering training center with IIT Tirupati and IIIT Sri City as knowledge partners. PTI MS GDK KH view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 22:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

China, U.S. to extend tariff pause at Sweden talks by another 90 days: Report
China, U.S. to extend tariff pause at Sweden talks by another 90 days: Report

The Hindu

timean hour ago

  • The Hindu

China, U.S. to extend tariff pause at Sweden talks by another 90 days: Report

Beijing and Washington are expected to extend their tariff truce by another three months at trade talks in Stockholm beginning on Monday (July 28, 2025), the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter. During the expected 90-day extension, the U.S. and China will agree not to introduce new tariffs or take other actions that could further escalate the trade war, the report said. While the earlier discussions in Geneva and London focused on "de-escalation", the latest meeting the Chinese delegation will also press Mr. Trump's trade team on fentanyl-related tariffs, the report further said, citing three sources familiar with the matter. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The third round of U.S.-China talks is set to be held in Stockholm on Monday to tackle longstanding economic disputes at the centre of the countries' trade war.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store