Graphika Report
Monday October 11, 2021
Likes for Lorestan
Jack Stubbs, Léa Ronzaud, Kyle Weiss, Avneesh Chandra, Rodrigo Ferreira, and Ira Hubert
Read Full ReportMonday October 11, 2021
Jack Stubbs, Léa Ronzaud, Kyle Weiss, Avneesh Chandra, Rodrigo Ferreira, and Ira Hubert
Read Full ReportOn Oct. 11, Facebook said it had removed a network of 93 profiles, 15 groups, 14 pages and 194 Instagram accounts in September that originated in Iran and engaged in “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” to target domestic audiences in the country.
The identified activity provides a fascinating insight into the breadth and depth of Iranian information operations, with the oldest assets created in 2011 and some still active as of September this year. The campaigns range from the targeting of domestic audiences with pro-regime propaganda, to criticism of geopolitical rivals such as Saudi Arabia and the United States, and sustained attempts to undermine and disrupt opposition groups. Additionally, two Instagram accounts posted in French about French political issues for a short period in 2019, but failed to attract an audience.
The actors also employed a varied and evolving set of tactics, techniques and procedures, including the use of fake Facebook profiles with stolen pictures, establishing a network of sham media outlets, impersonating prominent opposition figures, and calling on their followers to harass specific individuals.
Below is a summary of our key findings:
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