Researchers have uncovered a network of malicious accounts targeting U.S. users on the social media platform X. These accounts, associated with the Russia-linked group Doppelgänger, aimed to discredit recent protests in Georgia, which were sparked by a controversial law threatening media independence. The disinformation campaign involved nearly 40 suspicious accounts that engaged with U.S. figures and news outlets, spreading conspiracy theories about U.S. involvement in the Georgian protests.
The Doppelgänger network, known for its disinformation efforts in the U.S. and Europe, used automated accounts—often referred to as bots—that were created in May 2024. These accounts, which had no posts or followers and used stock images as avatars, were primarily focused on undermining support for the Georgian protests and promoting anti-Ukraine content. Despite their removal from the platform, these bots represent only a fraction of the broader malign network.
The protests in Georgia were driven by opposition to a law that targets NGOs and media outlets, raising fears that it could be used to suppress independent voices, similar to legislation in Russia. Although X is not widely used in Georgia, the international community, including U.S. officials, has used the platform to support the protests and criticize the Georgian Dream Party’s actions.
This campaign by Doppelgänger is the latest in a series of disinformation efforts by the network. Previously, Meta identified Doppelgänger’s attempts to influence Western audiences and undermine support for Ukraine. Despite these efforts being described as “crude and largely ineffective,” Doppelgänger remains one of the most persistent Russian-sponsored malign networks.
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