YouTube Removes 11,000 Accounts Linked to State-Backed Propaganda

Google has dismantled nearly 11,000 YouTube channels and associated accounts in Q2 2024, targeting state-backed misinformation campaigns from China, Russia, and other nations. Over 7,700 channels originated from China, promoting pro-Beijing narratives and praising President Xi Jinping. Russian-linked operations accounted for more than 2,000 channels, amplifying Kremlin-aligned content critical of NATO and Ukraine.

In a separate action, Google removed 20 YouTube channels tied to RT, Russia's state-controlled media, alongside four Google Ads accounts and a Blogger page. RT faces allegations of funding conservative commentators ahead of the 2024 U.S. election, with figures like Tim Pool and Benny Johnson reportedly producing content for Tennessee-based Tenent Media.

YouTube's crackdown on state-sponsored disinformation began in earnest in 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The platform continues to enforce policies against coordinated influence operations, though geopolitical narratives persist through evolving tactics.