Experts skeptical of China interference claims: Evidence weak, backlash homegrown
AndyMasley · x · 2026-08-20
Andy Masley summarizes the evidence given so far regarding foreign interference in data center debates, concluding it is not very conclusive and that actual researchers are skeptical.
Expert opinions:
- Clemson Media Forensics Hub: Darren Linvill, who tracks foreign influence campaigns, says “We haven’t found much.” China’s bot armies aren’t talking much about this topic, and state media is busy promoting China's own data centers.
- Stanford & Graphika: Graham Webster of Stanford told WIRED the BPI examples don't resemble documented Chinese influence campaigns. Graphika analyst Dina Sadek noted that research shows domestic US actors are leading the online anti-data center reaction.
Conclusion: Masley is left thinking this is basically entirely homegrown.
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