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Social media vs. governments

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
14 September 2020
Propagandistic accounts were taken down by social media networks.

Just a few weeks ago, we tackled the narrative regarding the protests in Hong Kong as its autonomy could have been undermined by a bill which passed in the meantime. On top of that, the situation created by some tweets posted by President Trump which set in motion some restrictive measures regarding the social media platforms. 

But things took an unexpected turn, and yesterday, Twitter removed more than 170,000 accounts, which spread favorable, but fabricated messages about the Chinese government regarding Coronavirus and Hong Kong.   

According to an analysis conducted by Twitter alongside researches, the accounts worked like an echo chamber, with approximately 150 000 designed to amplify what the rest was posting. The accounts were antagonizing the US and the Hong Kong activists but praised China handling the virus.

Still, this is not the first time when China faces such actions from networks. Last year, Twitter, Facebook, and Google’s Youtube dismantled a state-backed operation that spread misleading information about the situation in Hong Kong.  

Moreover, Twitter shut down more than 1,000 accounts besides the Chinese ones that promoted the Russian ruling party. Also, more than 7, 300 accounts that lobbied the Turkish President Erdogan’s party, AK, were shut down. More than 37 million tweets have been sent from those fake accounts.  

In after-hours trading, Twitter stock dropped by 6%, and during today's pre-market session recovered more than 2%.

Facebook lost more than 5% in after-hours, and in pre-market, it gained more than 1.50%. 

Google is to open higher by 1.72%.

Sources: edition.cnn.com, reuters.com, cnbc.com 


This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided. 

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Financial Writer

Miguel worked for major financial institutions such as Banco Santander, and Banco Central-Hispano. He is a published author of currency trading books.