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These networks appear to be just a small sample of the antisemitism frequently spread on the Chinese internet ecosystem but the presence of Spamouflage networks means the PRC cannot dismiss such activity as the product of random internet trolls.

Doublethink Lab's post-election analysis published at the end of 2024 suggested that Spamouflage accounts primarily sought to amplify existing content rather than create their own, and that such content used the ongoing conflict in Gaza to degrade the United States and its relationship with Israel, amplifying not only Chinese state media outlets but also anti-Israel and pro-Palestine accounts.

Such themes inter-mingled with other content typical of PRC information operations online, such as support for Beijing, criticism of US foreign policy, or highlighting of US domestic problems such as homelessness or gun violence.

Worse still, commentary that shows up in Chinese, Russian, or Iranian channels frequently makes its way to the other, through either direct coordination or copycatting.

Discussions of online disinformation or the more broadly defined malinformation frequently flag Chinese-made apps, including Weibo, WeChat and RedNote, as vectors of false and misleading information.

TikTok, with its short-form, immersive content based on users' prior views, has frequently been highlighted for having pulled many users, especially young users, down a“rabbit hole” of mis- and disinformation.

This includes on Covid vaccinations, on the supposedly beneficent role of China in world affairs (as opposed to allegedly negative role of Japan and the US) and against politicians in the midst of competitive races.

These concerns – as well as worries that China might be purposefully distorting TikTok's algorithm to suppress unfavorable content – have helped motivate efforts to force the sale of TikTok owner ByteDance in the US.

TikTok now appears to have entered a new phase with President Trump's recent executive order allowing TikTok to continue operations under a joint venture led by Oracle – a database software company owned by entrepreneur and Trump confidant Larry Ellison. Pending approval by China, this would restrict ByteDance's ownership to a minority stake.

If the deal proceeds then Ellison, a strong supporter of Israel, should step up efforts to counter the spread of antisemitic disinformation. TikTok's guidelines and rules on“misinformation” – which, unlike“disinformation,” implies a lack of malicious intent – are a start but should go farther.

Those guidelines should be accompanied by public education campaigns on common antisemitic tropes, how online antisemitic content leads to violence, and how to report antisemitic activities, especially if there is reason to believe that Jewish individuals, organizations or businesses will be targeted.

If TikTok confronts this issue proactively, other social media entities, seeking the administration's favor, may follow.