Google Removes 15K YouTube Channels Linked to China

Google Takes Down 15,000 YouTube Channels in China Influence Campaign

Google removed 15,876 YouTube channels in the first quarter of 2025 as part of its ongoing effort to combat coordinated influence operations linked to China. The channels primarily uploaded content in Chinese and English related to China and U.S. foreign affairs.

The coordinated inauthentic network uploaded content in Chinese and English about China and U.S. foreign affairs.

This action follows similar crackdowns in previous years. In 2022, Google removed over 50,000 China-based YouTube channels, and in 2023, over 65,000 channels were terminated for similar activity.

Ongoing Influence Operations

These influence operations often involve creating seemingly legitimate news channels and blogs that cover current events. However, these channels also subtly amplify pro-China messaging to sway viewer opinions.

The scale of these operations highlights the ongoing efforts to leverage Western digital platforms for propaganda purposes. While there are no reports of TikTok being used in this specific campaign, concerns remain about its potential vulnerability given its Chinese origins and vast reach in Western nations.

Other countries were also involved in coordinated inauthentic behavior. Google removed 4,282 YouTube channels linked to Russia and 2,891 channels linked to Azerbaijan for similar activities.

U.S.-Based Influence Campaign

Google also took action against a U.S.-based consulting firm, blocking 21 domains from appearing on Google News and Discover. This firm was reportedly sharing content related to local U.S. issues and international business.

We blocked 21 domains from eligibility to appear on Google News surfaces and Discover as part of our investigation into coordinated influence operations linked to a U.S.-based consulting firm. The campaign was sharing content in English about local issues in different regions of the US as well as content related to international business.

While data gathering is a concern across social media platforms, the primary concern with TikTok and similar platforms is their potential for influencing public opinion. This continues to be a key factor in discussions surrounding TikTok's future in the U.S.

For more information on Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG) findings, visit the official TAG Bulletin.