X rejects deepfake abuse claims against Chinese activist
Chinese activist Apple Peiqing Ni reported to X that abusive deepfake posts targeting her did not violate platform rules, according to the company's automated systems. The posts included fabricated images and claims of sexual promiscuity and drug use. UK police advised Ni to complain to X, which rejected her follow-up appeal.
Key points
- Activist Apple Peiqing Ni, founder of the China Dissent Network, was subjected to deepfake posts on X.
- The fabricated content included sexually explicit claims and false reports of drug use and physical assault.
- Ni believes the posts are from a pro-regime bot, originating after she announced participation in a Tiananmen Square massacre commemoration.
- X's automated systems initially stated the posts did not breach harassment or violent speech rules.
- A subsequent appeal to X's support service was also rejected.
- UK police had advised Ni to report the abuse to the platform.
A prominent Chinese activist based in the UK, Apple Peiqing Ni, has reportedly been informed by X (formerly Twitter) that abusive deepfake content targeting her does not violate the platform's rules. Ni, 27, founder of the China Dissent Network, stated she was inundated with posts containing fabricated images and videos, which falsely portrayed her as sexually promiscuous and a drug user.
The abuse also included claims that she had been assaulted during a protest, a narrative that appeared to reference a separate incident involving another activist. Ni believes the campaign is orchestrated by a pro-regime bot, particularly following her announcement of plans to attend a Tiananmen Square massacre commemoration event in London.
After complaining to X, Ni was initially told by the platform's automated systems that the posts did not breach rules on harassment or violent speech. UK police had advised her to direct her complaint to the platform. A follow-up appeal to X's human support service was also reportedly rejected, despite the platform's policies against malicious targeting and unreciprocated harassment.
Sources
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