Elon Musk Reveals Global Social Media Bot Network
Elon Musk recently revealed a global bot network on social media. Many accounts posting hate or propaganda are not human. Instead, they are automated or operated from unexpected countries.
The revelation came from a small update on the X platform. Users could now see the real device locations of accounts they follow. This exposed hidden patterns that were previously invisible.
Experts suggest the update aimed to uncover coordinated campaigns influencing public opinion. Its effects, however, reached far beyond expectations.
What the Network Shows
Accounts targeting countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco were often run from outside those nations. Some Syrian and Gulf accounts were traced to Istanbul or the UK. Many shared a surprising commonality: they operated from Israel and were linked to cyber operations units.
This network shows a coordinated effort to create division and manipulate public sentiment. Bots amplified content 24/7, making it appear like widespread opinion.
The update also revealed similar patterns in the United States. Political accounts stirring tensions were operated from countries like Russia, India, Bangladesh, and Israel. Within hours, thousands of accounts were suspended, and the location feature was removed.
The Bigger Picture
Social media is more than a communication tool. It can be a battleground for influence and manipulation. Similar practices likely exist on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
In Pakistan, local language political accounts were also controlled from abroad. This shows that much of the hatred and division online is coordinated. Awareness is key to navigating social platforms safely.
