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Iranian Hackers Use Fake Accounts to Influence Scottish Independence

8/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study found that Iranian hackers created fake pro-independence accounts to sway Scottish independence discussions.
These accounts boosted hashtags like #ScottishIndependence and gained notable engagement before disappearing during a June internet blackout in Iran.
Analysis revealed that 26% of pro-independence profiles were fake, suggesting a coordinated manipulation effort.
The operation aligns with known Iranian tactics, utilizing AI-generated content and infiltrating genuine conversations.

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Story summary

A study found that Iranian hackers created fake pro-independence accounts to sway Scottish independence discussions.
These accounts boosted hashtags like #ScottishIndependence and gained notable engagement before disappearing during a June internet blackout in Iran.
Analysis revealed that 26% of pro-independence profiles were fake, suggesting a coordinated manipulation effort.
The operation aligns with known Iranian tactics, utilizing AI-generated content and infiltrating genuine conversations.