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A new study published by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) and Cyabra social media analytics firm offers a detailed look at the key role a vast network of bots and fake profiles play in amplifying AJ+ propaganda, which fuels rising online antisemitism globally.
AJ+ is a social media publisher owned by the Qatar-based Al Jazeera Media Network, and its content has long drawn critical scrutiny for promoting anti-Western narratives and supporting antisemitic messaging.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategies used to spread AJ+ content, Cyabra conducted an in-depth investigation over a two-month period, from September 17 to November 17, to track bots and fake profiles that interact with AJ+’s official accounts on X and promote its TikTok posts. By leveraging advanced analytics, the research assessed profile authenticity and identified patterns of coordinated inauthentic behavior.
The study’s main findings follow:
— 32% of the profiles engaging with AJ+’s official X accounts were identified as fake, revealing a calculated strategy to artificially boost the platform’s visibility through coordinated inauthentic activity. These profiles consistently disseminated divisive narratives, with a strong emphasis on anti-Israel propaganda, aligning closely with the themes promoted by AJ+’s accounts.
— Fake profiles were instrumental in redirecting traffic from X to AJ+’s TikTok account, often sharing identical messages and links to orchestrate cross-platform engagement. This deliberate manipulation focused on promoting specific AJ+ TikTok videos tied to highly contentious anti-U.S. and anti-Israel narratives, amplifying their visibility and shaping key public discussions.
— The evidence suggests not only a clear intent to exploit social media algorithms but also represent a direct violation of X’s policies on inauthentic behavior, which are designed to prevent the misuse of the platform for spreading propaganda and deceptive practices. By leveraging fake accounts to manipulate discourse and amplify inflammatory content, AJ+ undermines platform integrity and transparency, contravening guidelines meant to ensure authentic and equitable engagement.
The full report — titled “Strategic Deception: Unmasking the Fake Profiles Network Spreading AJ+ Antisemitic Propaganda” — can be read HERE.
