Clickbait, Bots & Beijing: Targeting the Dalai Lama

The conversation delves into the intersection of the Chinese Government’s disinformation, cognitive warfare, and the Tibetan movement, particularly focusing on the recent association of the Dalai Lama with the Epstein files. Our guest Lobsang Sither, a cyber expert and Director of Technology at the Tibet Action Institute, breaks down the systematic nature of Chinese propaganda, the role of social media in spreading disinformation, and the importance of educating the public about the realities of the Tibetan struggle.Chapters00:00 Introduction & Context00:41 How the Dalai Lama’s Name Appears in the Epstein Files02:12 Official Denial & Forged Statement Explained03:19 Timing After the Grammy Win Raises Questions04:55 The “169 Mentions” Claim & Cognitive Warfare06:30 A Long History of CCP Attacks on the Dalai Lama07:26 Why Link the Dalai Lama to the Epstein Scandal?10:19 Clickbait, Conjecture & Social Media Amplification11:51 Manufactured Controversy & Eroding Moral Authority16:00 Is the Dalai Lama’s Legacy at Risk in the Digital Age?18:23 Can the CCP Win on Moral Grounds?20:12 Meta Threat Reports & China’s Coordinated Disinformation23:35 The “50 Cent Army,” Bots & AI Warfare25:08 Are Social Media Companies Doing Enough?27:24 AI, Tibetan Language & Surveillance Technology28:14 China’s Tibet International Communication Strategy31:07 What Supporters Can Do: Reporting, Blocking & FactChecking33:27 Verify Sources: How to Spot Fake Statements36:27 Top Three Facts About Tibet37:53 Final Reflections & Closing RemarksProducer: Sonam GyeltshenHost: Geraldine NordfeldtGuests: Lobsang Gyatso Sither, Dr Zoë BedfordLearn more about Australia Tibet Council’s work https://www.atc.org.au/Support Australia Tibet Council’s work with a donation https://www.atc.org.au/donate/