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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Context 00:41 How the Dalai Lama’s Name Appears in the Epstein Files 02:12 Official Denial & Forged Statement Explained 03:19 Timing After the Grammy Win Raises Questions 04:55 The “169 Mentions” Claim & Cognitive Warfare 06:30 A Long History of CCP Attacks on the Dalai Lama 07:26 Why Link the Dalai Lama to the Epstein Scandal? 10:19 Clickbait, Conjecture & Social Media Amplification 11:51 Manufactured Controversy & Eroding Moral Authority 16:00 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 Disinformation 23:35 The “50 Cent Army,” Bots & AI Warfare 25:08 Are Social Media Companies Doing Enough? 27:24 AI, Tibetan Language & Surveillance Technology 28:14 China’s Tibet International Communication Strategy 31:07 What Supporters Can Do: Reporting, Blocking & FactChecking 33:27 Verify Sources: How to Spot Fake Statements 36:27 Top Three Facts About Tibet 37:53 Final Reflections & Closing Remarks Producer: Sonam Gyeltshen Host: Geraldine Nordfeldt Guests: Lobsang Gyatso Sither, Dr Zoë Bedford Learn 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/