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Information operations directed at Hong Kong

(blog.twitter.com)
1116 points whatok | 2 comments | 19 Aug 19 18:11 UTC | HN request time: 0.416s | source
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apo ◴[19 Aug 19 23:23 UTC] No.20742621[source]▶
> We are disclosing a significant state-backed information operation focused on the situation in Hong Kong, specifically the protest movement and their calls for political change.

Two points:

1. The post presents no evidence that this is a "state-backed" operation.

2. Censorship seems like a wonderful tool when applied to your opponents. That support dries up pretty quickly when the censor targets you.

replies(1): >>20742643 #
ddlsmurf ◴[19 Aug 19 23:26 UTC] No.20742643[source]▶
Is there another actor than the state in China that can get unfiltered mainland IPs ?
replies(1): >>20743870 #
oefrha ◴[20 Aug 19 04:34 UTC] No.20743870[source]▶
If you use Google Fi’s cellular data in China, you can access sites typically blocked by GFW (source: first hand experience). So I assume the answer is yes. Not sure which entities have such access though.

Edit: IIRC some local friends from Peking University and Tsinghua University once told me that they could use Google and stuff (also typically out of reach) from their college dorms.

replies(1): >>20744066 #
1. selectodude ◴[20 Aug 19 05:25 UTC] No.20744066[source]▶
All foreign roaming users can get through the GFW. The local carrier sends everything through what is basically a VPN to your home cell carrier so it can be properly billed. A popular way to get around GFW for those with money is to use an HK cell phone in China.
replies(1): >>20783595 #
2. ddlsmurf ◴[23 Aug 19 23:01 UTC] No.20783595[source]▶
But then you don't have a mainland IP