Thread by @conspirator0

Is astroturfing with HootSuite still a thing in April 2021? It sure looks that way - we found a network (or possibly two networks) using HootSuite for synchronized retweets, which the accounts then undo after a few hours. #Lobsterfest

cc: @ZellaQuixote

First, here's a thread with some background on tweetdecking, the form of astroturfing this network engages in, which involves groups of accounts that retweet the same tweets at the same time, and then undo their retweets after the tweets go viral.

https://twitter.com/conspirator0/status/1175577488027766785

We found 28 accounts that appear to be using the Hootsuite app for astroturfing. We found two separate groups (each amplifying its own lineup of tweets), one consisting of 18 accounts and one consisting of 10 accounts. The larger group appears to undo their retweets more quickly.

Retweet network for the Hootsuite astroturfing network(s). The network consists of two clusters, matching the two groups of accounts we previously identified. (There is some crossover where accounts from one cluster amplify accounts from the other.)

How much reach does the amplification from these networks provide? These 28 accounts have a total of 333891 distinct followers, so coordinated retweets from them does provide a substantial audience despite the relatively small number of accounts involved in the operation.