NewsClick is a news website based in Delhi, India, founded in 2009.[1] The website has been accused of peddling pro-China reporting. The controversy unfolded in response to actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), revealing alleged involvement of the site in promoting Chinese government propaganda through news articles.[2] Neville Roy Singham's name surfaced in a report by The New York Times, accusing him of funding a global network that spread Chinese state propaganda and disinformation. Singham's alleged network financed NewsClick, which was accused of promoting Chinese government talking points.[3]
Background
Until 2020, the Indian government had banned over 250 Chinese mobile applications, citing concerns about their impact on national sovereignty and integrity. The banned apps included popular ones like TikTok, Xender, Shein, and CamScanner, along with mobile games such as PUBG Mobile and Garena Free Fire.[4]
Before the ban, Indian agencies reportedly found evidence suggesting China's use of these apps and certain companies for activities ranging from economic destabilization to espionage and money laundering.
ED's actions
In April 2022 the Enforcement Directorate conducted a series of actions against Chinese companies suspected of money laundering. It seized Rs 5,551 crore from the China-based Xiaomi group,[5] and in July 2022 also took similar actions against China-based mobile firm Vivo.[6][7]
In August 2023, the ED also took action against NewsClick, alleging its involvement in promoting pro-China information,[8] and money laundering.[9] This marked the first instance of such action against a media firm.[10]
Allegations against NewsClick
During the ED's probe, email exchanges were reportedly discovered involving Newsclick Director Prabir Purkayastha, journalists, millionaire Neville Roy Singham, and CPI(M) leaders like Prakash Karat.[11] These exchanges allegedly pointed towards promoting the Chinese agenda and were retrieved during the ED's money laundering probe against NewsClick.[citation needed]
It was claimed that NewsClick received Rs 38 crore from Neville Roy Singham, who resides in China, to disseminate pro-China information in India. Prabir Purkayastha and his associate journalists were accused of publishing paid news in exchange for funds provided by Singham's company, PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt. Ltd.[10]
Other beneficiaries
Apart from NewsClick, several individuals were alleged to have received funding from China. This included Javed Anand, Teesta Setelvad's husband, who received Rs 12.16 lakh, Teesta's daughter Tamara who allegedly received Rs 10.93 lakh,[12] Gautam Navlakha who received Rs 20.53 lakh,[13] and Bappaditya Sinha, a member of CPI(M), who also received funds.[14]
Neville Roy Singham
American millionaire Neville Roy Singham's name surfaced in a report by The New York Times, accusing him of funding a global network that spread Chinese propaganda. Singham's alleged network financed NewsClick, which was accused of promoting Chinese government talking points.[3]
Singham is the founder of Thoughtworks, a Chicago-based software consultancy. He has been described as having contact with the propaganda arm of the Chinese Communist Party.[15]
Impact
The controversy led to political and public discussions about the alleged ties between NewsClick, China, and individuals receiving Chinese funding. The Bharatiya Janata Party alleged links between Congress, NewsClick, and China, raising concerns about the impact on India's security and unity.[16]
See also
References
- ↑ Ram, N. "In Modi's India, the press is more imperilled than ever". Prospect.
- ↑ "NewsClick controversy: Did China shift its propaganda from phone apps to media?". India Today. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Hvistendahl, Mara; Fahrenthold, David A.; Chutel, Lynsey; Jhaveri, Ishaan (2023-08-05). "A Global Web of Chinese Propaganda Leads to a U.S. Tech Mogul". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
- ↑ Abi-Habib, Maria (2020-06-29). "India Bans Nearly 60 Chinese Apps, Including TikTok and WeChat". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
- ↑ "ED Seizes Rs 5,551 Crore From Xiaomi India for FEMA Violation". The Wire.
- ↑ Ohri, Raghav (July 25, 2022). "Vivo 'laundering' an attempt to threaten integrity, sovereignty of nation: ED" – via The Economic Times - The Times of India.
- ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Vivo India management summoned by ED". Business Today. September 16, 2022.
- ↑ "Communist links, map: E-mails show NewsClick's involvement in 'pro-China agenda'". India Today.
- ↑ "ED attaches flat linked to NewsClick editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayashta". Hindustan Times. August 9, 2023.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "NewsClick controversy: Did China shift its propaganda from phone apps to media?". India Today.
- ↑ Now |, Times (2023-08-08). "NewsClick funding scam row: CPI(M)'s Prakash Karat and Neville Singham's 'email exchanges' surface". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
- ↑ Staff, The Pamphlet (2023-08-08). "How Newsclick Funnelled Chinese Funds To Anti Modi Propagandists". The Pamphlet. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
- ↑ "NIA court allows ED to question Gautam Navlakha in "Newsclick" case". Hindustan Times. 2022-02-19. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
- ↑ "ED Probes Email Exchanges Between American Billionaire And CPI(M) Leader In NewsClick Money Laundering Case". Outlook India.
- ↑ "Who is Neville Roy Singham, named in NYT report on alleged 'NewsClick-China links'?". Hindustan Times. 2023-08-08. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
- ↑ "BJP cites opposition's criticism of ED action against NewsClick to allege links with China". August 8, 2023 – via The Economic Times - The Times of India.