A BBC investigation has revealed that dozens of social media accounts are impersonating Muslim and Somali influencers and models, without their knowledge, to spread political content and propaganda related to Somalia, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Fake Social Media Accounts for Somali Citizens
One influencer said she was shocked to discover that her photos were being used on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and X, stating: “This character is not me, and I can’t do anything about those impersonating me.”
BBC’s misinformation research teams identified more than 100 fake social media accounts.
Most of these profiles depict women claiming to be Somali citizens, posting content that praises the Somali government and army, while highlighting the country’s cities and natural beauty.
AI Role in Creating Fake Social Media Accounts
The accounts often used Somali clan names to appear credible, in addition to photos manipulated or generated with artificial intelligence.
Analysts believe these accounts align with the foreign policy objectives of the UAE in the region, aiming to gain Somali support and promote its image in East Africa.
Some accounts also posted content critical of Sudan or portraying the Rapid Support Forces positively, contributing to misinformation about regional conflicts.
Social media analysis tools revealed that the network posted thousands of posts in short periods, often using identical content in multiple languages, signaling coordinated and inauthentic behavior.
Shaping Public Opinion
Platform companies confirmed that they prohibit fake accounts and actively remove deceptive content. However, it remains difficult to identify those responsible, leaving victims unable to prevent their images from being exploited.
This investigation highlights the serious dangers of fake social media accounts in shaping public opinion and emphasizes the need for user awareness and verifying content sources before trusting or sharing them.
Source: BBC
