Google carried out a major purge of its platforms, blocking over 18,000 channels and accounts in the fourth quarter of 2025. According to Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG), these measures targeted coordinated influence operations backed by state actors from Russia, China, and several other countries. The main impact was on YouTube, but restrictions also affected Blogger and Google Ads. Experts note that these networks use fake identities and hidden data to amplify desired messages and manipulate public opinion.
The largest number of removals involved Russian influence campaigns. In particular, Google removed about 2,500 channels linked to a single consulting firm that spread pro-Kremlin and anti-NATO content in Russian. Russian “troll factories,” including the notorious Internet Research Agency, focused especially on Moldova’s presidential elections, attempting to stir anti-government sentiment. Dozens of news domains promoting anti-Ukrainian narratives in multiple languages—including English, French, and even Japanese—were also blocked.
Chinese influence networks were also highly active. Over the last three months of 2025, Google blocked more than 10,000 China-linked channels. These resources spread content about foreign policy and U.S.-China relations. Experts point to a worrying trend: while around 3,700 Chinese channels were removed in October, this number rose to 6,280 by December, showing that Chinese influence operations recover extremely quickly after purges, creating new accounts faster than security systems can close them.
Manipulation is not limited to major powers. TAG’s report mentions large-scale blocks in Indonesia, where over 4,000 channels promoting local political interests were removed, as well as operations in Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Belarus. Targeted campaigns were also detected, such as influence attempts from Israel aimed at Canada, and operations originating from the United Kingdom. Analysts emphasize that today’s influence industry is becoming increasingly professional and resilient. The real challenge for tech giants in 2026 will not just be detecting violations, but effectively disrupting networks that adapt to takedowns and continue to operate.
