[Thread on Sockpuppets] 1/8
Summary, there is a network of around 629 sockpuppet accounts using 'chopped hashtags' to drown out a hashtag advertising a broadcast from Saudi dissident @oamaz7
#disinformation #deception
Summary, there is a network of around 629 sockpuppet accounts using 'chopped hashtags' to drown out a hashtag advertising a broadcast from Saudi dissident @oamaz7
#disinformation #deception
2/8 As this screenshot shows, the original hashtag promoting broadcasting of @oamaz7 is بث عمر عبد العزيز while the chopped hashtag takes four consecutive consonants from the middle of the hashtag: مر عب 
3/8 As with similar networks, the accounts do not generally interact with each other. The fact they are tweeting the same nonsensical chopped hashtag 'independently' of each other with few RTs indicates it is co-ordinated sockpuppet activity.
4/8 You can also see clear temporal patterns to the tweeting. The network first tweets using Twitter Web App (blue), then it turns to Twitter Web Client (green), - but then also Twitter iPhone (red). the first batch of account seem to tweet 57 tweets pre minute for 6 mins
5/8 Even some of the accounts 'interacting' are clearly advertising bots. One of the few interactions on the network was this one from 'Camila', with a honey seller.
6/8 Or this account advertising plumbing services....
7/8 The content is clear spam, with no effort made to make any particular commentary. Nonetheless, these tactics appear to successfully trend.
There is little doubt they are being deployed to drown out hashtags critical of the Saudi government or MBS.
There is little doubt they are being deployed to drown out hashtags critical of the Saudi government or MBS.
8/8 To sum up, around 620 sockpuppets are trying to drown out a hashtag advertising content from Saudi exile @oamaz7
Please do something @TwitterSafety
Please do something @TwitterSafety
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