At an early 2026 corporate event featuring dancing mascots and pyrotechnics, the CEO of HTV Network, Ngo Anh Tan, proudly displayed a Vietnamese sign reading “Doanh Thu Đột Phá,” translating to “Record Revenue.” The occasion marked a milestone for HTV, which had grown from an “international media company” promoting authoritative journalism to now employing over 100 individuals, as per a job listing in Vietnam.
However, a joint investigation by CBC’s visual investigations unit and Radio-Canada’s Décrypteurs revealed a stark contrast between HTV’s public image and its true operations. The team uncovered that Ngo and his associates were clandestinely operating an AI-driven content network from Hanoi, Vietnam. This network disseminated fake news and sensationalized stories worldwide, including misleading claims about Elon Musk restricting Teslas in Canada and exploiting tragic events like the Tumbler Ridge shooting.
The investigation discovered nearly 200 Facebook pages, collectively amassing over 55 million followers, linked to about 50 HTV-affiliated websites. These websites generated revenue through advertising alongside contentious political and religious content. Experts, like Fenwick McKelvey from Concordia University, expressed dismay at the deceptive tactics employed by HTV, emphasizing the detrimental impact on audiences.
HTV Network’s questionable practices were further obscured by sharing a name with a legitimate Vietnamese state-owned broadcaster, complicating efforts to track their activities. The company’s model involved mass-producing AI-generated content, posting it on Facebook pages, and redirecting users to websites filled with ads for various products. Despite Ngo’s denial of involvement, evidence linked him to the network through corporate records and domain registrations.
Following inquiries by CBC/Radio-Canada, HTV’s website was abruptly taken down, and Ngo’s social media presence became private, erasing digital traces linking him to the network. Aengus Bridgman from the Media Ecosystem Observatory criticized platforms like Facebook for incentivizing low-quality, engaging content, without adequately addressing the spread of misinformation.
The investigation’s methodology combined corporate documents, on-the-ground investigations in Vietnam, and digital tools like DomainTools to uncover the extensive network targeting audiences in multiple countries. This revelation stemmed from a report by the Media Ecosystem Observatory and the discovery of a unique email address, “kolax9843,” associated with several low-quality websites and Facebook pages.
Images and online activities of HTV employees provided further insights into the company’s operations, showcasing a bustling office environment and recruitment efforts for content marketers. Corporate records confirmed the creation of HTV Network in 2024, with Ngo Anh Tan listed as the CEO. Subsequent actions by HTV, such as adding a disclaimer to their websites, attempted to distance the company from the fabricated content.
The rise of AI technology has facilitated the proliferation of cheap, low-quality content, exacerbated by Meta’s evolving monetization policies. Experts like Craig Silverman criticized Meta for neglecting to combat such deceptive practices effectively. Despite the substantial revenue generated by Facebook in Vietnam, concerns persist regarding accountability and transparency, especially in the context of youth-driven entrepreneurial endeavors.
The investigation highlighted the need for greater oversight and accountability in the digital landscape, particularly in regions like Vietnam where misinformation can thrive unchecked.
