A recent article in the UK Defence Journal reported on a network of fake pro-independence accounts on social media that may have connections to Iranian influence operations. After a nationwide internet blackout in Iran began in June, many of these anonymous accounts ceased activity. Cyabra’s analysis of 5,083 profiles found that 26% (1,332) were fake, promoting hashtags like #ScottishIndependence and #BrexitBetrayal, amassing over 224 million views.
The report suggests these accounts strategically used AI-generated content to amplify pro-Scottish independence and anti-Brexit narratives, with a significant portion restarting posts supporting Iranian viewpoints once the internet was restored on June 29. The methods seen mirror previously documented Iranian tactics, including using fake personas and infiltrating real conversations to manipulate public discourse.
Previous studies have also highlighted Iranian involvement in online campaigns surrounding Scottish independence, with research showing that 4% of relevant content linked back to an Iranian-backed bot network. Meta had previously identified over 100 Iranian-backed accounts spreading pro-independence propaganda. Ben Nimmo from Meta noted that these operations have persisted since at least 2013, although they often struggle to gain significant traction.
