Leaked Documents Unveil the Global Reach of Chinese Digital Censorship Tools
A Recent Leak Exposes How Chinese Companies Market Their Surveillance Technology Worldwide
In a significant revelation, internal documents from Geedge Networks, a relatively obscure Chinese firm, have highlighted the global commercialization of digital censorship tools. This company reportedly sells a version of the "Great Firewall," which enables strict internet control, to nations such as Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Myanmar. The striking findings from the leak illustrate the sophisticated capabilities the firm possesses to monitor, intercept, and manipulate online traffic. Experts characterize these revelations as evidence of "digital authoritarianism as a service."
The Great Firewall Beyond China
While the Great Firewall of China is often viewed as a unique, powerful system, the development and operational methodologies behind it resemble surveillance technologies used in Western countries. Geedge engages with academic institutions for research and development, customizes its business strategies for various clients, and repurposes infrastructure from competitors. For instance, documents reveal Geedge’s collaboration with Pakistani authorities to replace equipment originally supplied by the Canadian company Sandvine.
GoLaxy: A Parallel in Propaganda Technology
A separate leak from another Chinese corporation, GoLaxy, further corroborates the broader narrative of digital authoritarianism. This leak, publicized by researchers from Vanderbilt University, included a 399-page document detailing GoLaxy’s use of artificial intelligence to analyze social media and generate propaganda. The leaked files, allegedly sourced from a disgruntled ex-employee, accuse GoLaxy of worker exploitation, including low wages and excessive hours.
GoLaxy’s operations contrast with Geedge’s, as it primarily gathers open-source information from social media, analyzes relationships among political figures and media outlets, and disseminates focused narratives through synthesized social media profiles. The company claims to dominate the market for intelligence and big data analysis in China, serving key clients such as the Chinese Communist Party and the military.
Shared Characteristics of Geedge and GoLaxy
Both Geedge and GoLaxy demonstrate similarities in their operational frameworks. Notably, both companies maintain strong ties with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the top research institution, recognized for its contribution to government-affiliated research. They also cater to provincial government agencies, meeting specific local needs for surveillance and propaganda technologies.
Despite reaching out for comments, GoLaxy did not provide a response to queries from WIRED. Furthermore, in a previous statement to The New York Times, the company had refuted claims concerning data collection targeting U.S. officials, labeling the reporting as misinformation. Researchers at Vanderbilt University noted that GoLaxy appeared to modify its website following initial reports on its activities.
Commercializing Research: A Common Approach
In systems akin to Western practices, researchers collaborating with CAS often seek to commercialize their innovations through the formation of startups. The leaked documents indicate that several researchers at GoLaxy remain affiliated with CAS. However, funding through government grants is not guaranteed, compelling these researchers to pursue clients, much like private enterprises do. One document from the leak indicates that GoLaxy had sales targets for staff, aiming to secure approximately 42 million RMB (around $5.9 million) in contracts with Chinese government bodies in 2020. Additional spreadsheets revealed the company’s existing clients included military branches and state security agencies.
Conclusion
The leaked documents from Geedge Networks and GoLaxy shed light on the methods and motivations behind China’s extensive digital censorship and propaganda apparatus. By revealing how these companies operate and their strategies for international marketing, the leaks underscore an alarming trend of digital authoritarian practices spreading beyond China’s borders. As the global landscape evolves, understanding these mechanisms becomes paramount.
