Chinese bots flood Twitter in attempt to obscure Covid protests

Twitter has been flooded with nuisance posts designed to obscure news of the coronavirus lockdown protests in China, in an apparent state-directed attempt to suppress footage of the demonstrations.

Groups of people numbering from single digits to about 1,000 have gathered for candlelit vigils and peaceful street protests. In some places, such as Wuhan, protesters pushed over pandemic barriers, and in Shanghai, demonstrators clashed with police. Holding candles, phone lights, and blank pieces of paper, [protesters have called for the end of lockdowns and frequent mass testing.