Doublethink Lab
@doublethinklab.bsky.social
A Taipei-based CSO investigating disinformation and information operations in order to safeguard democracy globally. Follow us for our latest reports!
We launched the China Index (中文版) with a press briefing on how Beijing shapes narratives & influence in Taiwan. A major challenge is how broad and varied these efforts are, often reaching those left out of the social safety net — a reminder how social gaps can turn into leverage points.
November 6, 2025 at 7:55 AM
We launched the China Index (中文版) with a press briefing on how Beijing shapes narratives & influence in Taiwan. A major challenge is how broad and varied these efforts are, often reaching those left out of the social safety net — a reminder how social gaps can turn into leverage points.
Ukraine saw the steepest decline in PRC influence in the latest #ChinaIndex. Our regional partner, Sorin Ioniță, shares what others can learn from Ukraine’s experience.
👉 Watch the full discussion dtl.tw/ci-forum
👉 Watch the full discussion dtl.tw/ci-forum
October 3, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Ukraine saw the steepest decline in PRC influence in the latest #ChinaIndex. Our regional partner, Sorin Ioniță, shares what others can learn from Ukraine’s experience.
👉 Watch the full discussion dtl.tw/ci-forum
👉 Watch the full discussion dtl.tw/ci-forum
In 2022, the #ChinaIndex showed 45% of measured countries had at least one of their top 5 social media apps linked to the PRC. In the latest edition, that figure has jumped to 65%.
Why does this matter? As Dr. Sriparna Pathak noted about TikTok:
Watch the full discussion: dtl.tw/ci-forum
Why does this matter? As Dr. Sriparna Pathak noted about TikTok:
Watch the full discussion: dtl.tw/ci-forum
October 2, 2025 at 7:11 AM
In 2022, the #ChinaIndex showed 45% of measured countries had at least one of their top 5 social media apps linked to the PRC. In the latest edition, that figure has jumped to 65%.
Why does this matter? As Dr. Sriparna Pathak noted about TikTok:
Watch the full discussion: dtl.tw/ci-forum
Why does this matter? As Dr. Sriparna Pathak noted about TikTok:
Watch the full discussion: dtl.tw/ci-forum
More than two-thirds of countries in the #ChinaIndex show rising PRC influence. Our expanded data tracks how that influence shifts over time.
Explore country-by-country changes here: dtl.tw/ueckb3
Explore country-by-country changes here: dtl.tw/ueckb3
September 24, 2025 at 8:00 AM
More than two-thirds of countries in the #ChinaIndex show rising PRC influence. Our expanded data tracks how that influence shifts over time.
Explore country-by-country changes here: dtl.tw/ueckb3
Explore country-by-country changes here: dtl.tw/ueckb3
1/ One example: AI-generated images mocking President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) & admin-backed senators amplified by the networks of accounts with coordinated profile photos & hashtags.
September 15, 2025 at 7:33 AM
1/ One example: AI-generated images mocking President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) & admin-backed senators amplified by the networks of accounts with coordinated profile photos & hashtags.
4/ The most widespread influence is seen in the Technology and Foreign Policy Domain.
September 12, 2025 at 6:14 AM
4/ The most widespread influence is seen in the Technology and Foreign Policy Domain.
3/ Since 2022, Domestic Politics is the only Domain that has slipped backwards, declining on average by nearly two points. Countries like Thailand, Mexico, and South Africa felt this most sharply.
September 12, 2025 at 6:14 AM
3/ Since 2022, Domestic Politics is the only Domain that has slipped backwards, declining on average by nearly two points. Countries like Thailand, Mexico, and South Africa felt this most sharply.
2/ India, Ukraine and Italy are notable examples of countries where measured PRC influence scores have dropped — reflecting political and public pushback against the PRC.
September 12, 2025 at 6:14 AM
2/ India, Ukraine and Italy are notable examples of countries where measured PRC influence scores have dropped — reflecting political and public pushback against the PRC.
1/ Despite recent security challenges and shifting geopolitical dynamics straining Sino-Pakistan relations, the PRC’s overall influence in Pakistan has continued to grow, and the top 3 countries remain the same as in 2022.
See where your country ranks dtl.tw/ueckb3
See where your country ranks dtl.tw/ueckb3
September 12, 2025 at 6:14 AM
1/ Despite recent security challenges and shifting geopolitical dynamics straining Sino-Pakistan relations, the PRC’s overall influence in Pakistan has continued to grow, and the top 3 countries remain the same as in 2022.
See where your country ranks dtl.tw/ueckb3
See where your country ranks dtl.tw/ueckb3
How exposed is your country to PRC influence? Our new China Index report shows some nations deepening dependence, others stepping back. Canada & Cambodia see the largest increases in PRC reliance; Ukraine & India the steepest drops.
Read the full report & thread 👉 dtl.tw/chinaindex20...
Read the full report & thread 👉 dtl.tw/chinaindex20...
September 12, 2025 at 6:14 AM
How exposed is your country to PRC influence? Our new China Index report shows some nations deepening dependence, others stepping back. Canada & Cambodia see the largest increases in PRC reliance; Ukraine & India the steepest drops.
Read the full report & thread 👉 dtl.tw/chinaindex20...
Read the full report & thread 👉 dtl.tw/chinaindex20...
📅 Save the date: Sept 10, 2025! Join us online to discuss the latest China Index report 🌍 — compare PRC influence across countries & over time, and explore where vulnerabilities are deepening vs. where societies are proving resilient.
🔗 forms.gle/EMhMLdH6kUsa...
🔗 forms.gle/EMhMLdH6kUsa...
September 4, 2025 at 5:33 AM
📅 Save the date: Sept 10, 2025! Join us online to discuss the latest China Index report 🌍 — compare PRC influence across countries & over time, and explore where vulnerabilities are deepening vs. where societies are proving resilient.
🔗 forms.gle/EMhMLdH6kUsa...
🔗 forms.gle/EMhMLdH6kUsa...
📅 We’ll be at DRAPAC 2025 in KL with Democracy.Net.PH, discussing one of the biggest challenges for democracies: disinformation & information operations in elections.
Sign up 👉 drapac.net/25/attendees/
Looking forward to connecting & sharing insights!
Sign up 👉 drapac.net/25/attendees/
Looking forward to connecting & sharing insights!
August 13, 2025 at 7:16 AM
📅 We’ll be at DRAPAC 2025 in KL with Democracy.Net.PH, discussing one of the biggest challenges for democracies: disinformation & information operations in elections.
Sign up 👉 drapac.net/25/attendees/
Looking forward to connecting & sharing insights!
Sign up 👉 drapac.net/25/attendees/
Looking forward to connecting & sharing insights!
5/ This table highlights 13 identical posts from 12 accounts, all within a 20-minute window.
July 21, 2025 at 9:43 AM
5/ This table highlights 13 identical posts from 12 accounts, all within a 20-minute window.
4/ This graph shows how often each of the 51 accounts posted the same content as at least 10 others, often within minutes.
July 21, 2025 at 9:43 AM
4/ This graph shows how often each of the 51 accounts posted the same content as at least 10 others, often within minutes.
3/ Their behavior was highly coordinated — many posting identical or near-identical content (copypasta).
July 21, 2025 at 9:43 AM
3/ Their behavior was highly coordinated — many posting identical or near-identical content (copypasta).
📣 Join us at the first #ChinaIndex Spotlight Webinar where we explore how Thailand 🇹🇭 and Pakistan 🇵🇰 can navigate Beijing's influence through careful policy adjustments
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM GMT+8
🔗 Register now: dtl.tw/6dr3vp
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM GMT+8
🔗 Register now: dtl.tw/6dr3vp
July 17, 2025 at 6:59 AM
📣 Join us at the first #ChinaIndex Spotlight Webinar where we explore how Thailand 🇹🇭 and Pakistan 🇵🇰 can navigate Beijing's influence through careful policy adjustments
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM GMT+8
🔗 Register now: dtl.tw/6dr3vp
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM GMT+8
🔗 Register now: dtl.tw/6dr3vp
6/ Both active and inactive TikTok users reject pro-unification narratives, and a slight majority say they would be willing to defend Taiwan. Still, active users are more likely to believe that unification wouldn’t change everyday life.
June 6, 2025 at 8:49 AM
6/ Both active and inactive TikTok users reject pro-unification narratives, and a slight majority say they would be willing to defend Taiwan. Still, active users are more likely to believe that unification wouldn’t change everyday life.
5/ Nearly 90% of respondents dislike the PRC government, but TikTok users report slightly less intense dislike of the PRC government, and are less confident the U.S. would defend Taiwan if attacked.
June 6, 2025 at 8:49 AM
5/ Nearly 90% of respondents dislike the PRC government, but TikTok users report slightly less intense dislike of the PRC government, and are less confident the U.S. would defend Taiwan if attacked.
4/ On cross-strait issues:
- Most respondents blame the PRC for tensions
- But active TikTok users are more likely to also blame the DPP and the U.S.
- They are also more likely to prioritize economic ties over security concerns
- Most respondents blame the PRC for tensions
- But active TikTok users are more likely to also blame the DPP and the U.S.
- They are also more likely to prioritize economic ties over security concerns
June 6, 2025 at 8:49 AM
4/ On cross-strait issues:
- Most respondents blame the PRC for tensions
- But active TikTok users are more likely to also blame the DPP and the U.S.
- They are also more likely to prioritize economic ties over security concerns
- Most respondents blame the PRC for tensions
- But active TikTok users are more likely to also blame the DPP and the U.S.
- They are also more likely to prioritize economic ties over security concerns
3/ While support for democracy remains strong overall, active users are slightly more likely to believe that authoritarianism might be better in some contexts or to be more indifferent to political systems.
June 6, 2025 at 8:49 AM
3/ While support for democracy remains strong overall, active users are slightly more likely to believe that authoritarianism might be better in some contexts or to be more indifferent to political systems.
A recent investigation reveals a Facebook account attempting to recruit Taiwanese individuals with ties to sensitive sectors such as the military, police, and critical infrastructure (including Chunghwa Telecom). Meta Ad Library records show the ads were paid for by a company based in the PRC.
March 31, 2025 at 9:13 AM
A recent investigation reveals a Facebook account attempting to recruit Taiwanese individuals with ties to sensitive sectors such as the military, police, and critical infrastructure (including Chunghwa Telecom). Meta Ad Library records show the ads were paid for by a company based in the PRC.
Looking forward to sharing insights from the China Index 2024 on the PRC's digital influence on democracy and its role in digital repression abroad, with contributions from @article19.bsky.social and our regional partners.
Sign up here to attend ➡️ bit.ly/4i1URmw
Sign up here to attend ➡️ bit.ly/4i1URmw
February 19, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Looking forward to sharing insights from the China Index 2024 on the PRC's digital influence on democracy and its role in digital repression abroad, with contributions from @article19.bsky.social and our regional partners.
Sign up here to attend ➡️ bit.ly/4i1URmw
Sign up here to attend ➡️ bit.ly/4i1URmw
🇹🇼 Join us for this critical RightsCon dialogue featuring @aimenlau.bsky.social, our Social Engagement Team Lead, as she presents her research on the PRC's digital transnational repression of dissidents overseas, its impacts, and strategies to counter this growing threat.
February 17, 2025 at 8:42 AM
🇹🇼 Join us for this critical RightsCon dialogue featuring @aimenlau.bsky.social, our Social Engagement Team Lead, as she presents her research on the PRC's digital transnational repression of dissidents overseas, its impacts, and strategies to counter this growing threat.