The Chinese Recruitment Web as a Contrast Point

Abstract

Social media platforms enable a strategically motivated set of practices that leverage scalability and targeting potential. The wider vulnerabilities of digitalized democracies have been much discussed in connection with Russian election meddling and disinformation campaigns. However, the contrasting case with Chinese practices points out the more direct collusion-related vulnerability of mass spy recruitment that has been accentuated by the regression and polarization in the West. The ongoing LinkedIn-based mass recruitment by China provides a case in point, representing a dangerous vulnerability that can lead to the theft of intellectual property and confidential materials as well as to the setting up of influence networks. The Chinese co-opted LinkedIn to gain operatives in and confidential information from Western states and enterprises. Exposing the emerging adversary techniques used by resourceful state actors is the first counterstep. Moreover, preparedness needs to be highlighted, countermeasures modernized, and laws updated to address the new vulnerabilities.