AI used to fabricate emergencies in China; censorship tech exported abroad
Leaked documents revealed that a Chinese company exports network censorship technology to authoritarian governments, while in separate incidents, individuals in China used AI tools to fabricate false emergency reports causing public panic and online misinformation.
What happened
Leaked internal documents from Geedge Networks Ltd., a Chinese technology company, revealed that the firm developed network censorship technology for export to authoritarian governments in Myanmar, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia and other countries. The documents showed the company's flagship product, the Tiangou Security Gateway (TSG), filters websites and applications, conducts real-time network monitoring, blocks VPNs, and identifies anonymous users.
In China, individuals used AI tools to fabricate false emergency reports. A user named Liu Moujiao used AI to recycle old news and posted false claims of a gas pipeline leak and explosion in Dalian resulting in deaths and injuries, causing public panic. Another user, Li Moujia, staged videos with family members to create false reports of theft and fabricated police incidents to attract online traffic.
Reported impact
Geedge Networks' censorship technology strengthened network surveillance capabilities in Myanmar, Pakistan, and other countries. In Myanmar, the technology played a key role in enforcing government VPN bans following the 2021 military coup. The leaked documents showed the company actively works to circumvent anti-censorship tools including Psiphon.
The fabricated emergency reports in China caused local residents to panic and misled large numbers of internet users. The false medical and theft reports generated significant online discussion and misinformation.
Index analysis
Geedge Networks, founded in 2018 by Fang Binxing, the architect of China's Great Firewall, exports surveillance capabilities that researchers described as providing "unprecedented monitoring and censorship capabilities." The company's business aligns with China's "Digital Silk Road" initiative.
The AI-generated misinformation cases in China demonstrated intentional use of generative AI tools to create false emergency scenarios for online engagement and traffic. Public security authorities characterized these as violations of laws against spreading rumors and disrupting public order.
Governance controls
Geedge Networks, the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and the Internet Information Office did not respond to inquiries about the leaked documents. The company claims its technology is used by over 40 service providers globally but has not disclosed details.
In China, individuals who used AI tools to fabricate false emergency reports were subject to administrative detention. The Public Security Bureau announced enforcement actions under the "Clean Net 2025" campaign against those using AI to spread rumors.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.