Citations:50 cent army


 * 2021, Krassi Twigg and Kerry Allen, The disinformation tactics used by China, (12 March 2021);
 * China draws on millions of citizens to monitor the internet and influence public opinion on a massive scale online. These recruits are known as the "50 cent army" - so named because of reports that they were paid 0.5 yuan per post.


 * This "keyboard army" has long been active on Chinese social media platforms. Its aim has been to aggressively defend and protect China's image overseas.


 * When tweeting in English, the messages are aimed at a Western audience, much like troll farms in Russia that sow discord.


 * To the unsuspecting reader, they might appear as patriotic citizens acting independently, but frequently they are taking directions from Chinese authorities.