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Margaret E. Roberts is a leading political scientist whose research lies at the intersection of computational social science, authoritarian politics, and censorship. She is best known for her pioneering work on how governments manipulate information and the internet to control their citizens, particularly in China. Her book *Censored: Distraction and Diversion Inside China's Great Firewall* is a landmark study, revealing that the Chinese government’s censorship strategy is not just about blocking dissent but also about distracting the public with harmless content. This work has reshaped scholarly understanding of digital authoritarianism. Roberts’ research is highly influential, with her most-cited publications amassing thousands of citations. Her co-authored piece on "Machine Behaviour," which frames the emerging field of studying AI systems as social actors, has garnered significant attention (over 11 citations) and underscores her broad impact beyond political science. A professor at UC San Diego, Roberts is also a faculty affiliate at the Center for Effective Global Action and a recipient of numerous grants, including from the National Science Foundation. Her work is essential reading for anyone interested in the politics of technology, censorship, and the future of democracy in the digital age.