A report by disinformation specialist Cyabra has uncovered a network of Iranian bots at the center of Scotland’s pro-independence movement, responsible for thousands of fake social media posts aimed at creating division. The study found that 26% of over 5,000 pro-independence users on X were fake profiles generating AI-driven content. These accounts amplified hashtags like #BrexitBetrayal and reached an estimated 224 million views.
Following an Israeli military operation against Iran, many of these fake accounts shifted from pro-independence to pro-Iranian narratives, reflecting a strategy to advance Iranian interests. The bots aimed to undermine the UK’s credibility, delegitimize politicians, and sow public distrust, particularly targeting the BBC as biased.
The coordinated nature of the campaign included synchronized postings and identical content, demonstrating how fake networks can influence public discourse. Scottish political parties are now leveraging this information against each other, emphasizing the need for more vigilance against misinformation online. The Scottish Government has called for individuals to report disinformation but acknowledges that they cannot fully stop such malicious actors.
