China Warns of Security Breaches from Merchant's Property Promotion

On Saturday, China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) disclosed a national security incident involving a merchant who, while showcasing sea-view properties through livestreaming, unintentionally compromised sensitive naval operations. The merchant conducted numerous livestream sessions over two and a half months to promote properties, failing to recognize that the surrounding area, which included a significant Chinese military maritime zone, was classified. This oversight led to the disclosure of vital information regarding the berthing and movements of naval vessels.

In response to the situation, local national security authorities intervened by halting the livestreams and mandating the removal of all related videos. Legal action was taken against those involved, and a thorough inspection was initiated to address confidentiality concerns near the naval port. Measures were implemented requiring nearby hotels, guesthouses, and buildings with views of the naval port to display signs prohibiting photography and drone flights, ensuring that guests and residents are alerted to these security risks.

The MSS emphasized that the merchant's inadvertent actions posed significant risks that could be exploited by hostile foreign actors, turning what appeared to be harmless livestreaming into a substantial threat to national security. They pointed out that organized and strategic livestreaming could serve as an accessible platform for foreign espionage activities. MSS investigations indicated that at least one foreign intelligence agency had directed its operatives to surveil such livestreams for information on sensitive military areas in China.

The content shared during these livestreams could assist foreign intelligence agencies in pinpointing surveillance locations. During one particular livestream, viewers engaged with the merchant by asking questions that hinted at their curiosity about the naval port's identity and even the specific room number the merchant was using. Questions like these could inadvertently guide foreign spies, turning seemingly innocuous streaming into a valuable source of intelligence without any significant effort or cost. The MSS urged individuals to remain aware of their surroundings when engaging in livestream activities to prevent creating potential security threats, advising against utilizing sensitive content for gaining online attention.