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Scores of apparently fake social media accounts are boosting Azerbaijan’s hosting of the Cop29 climate summit, according to an investigation by Global Witness.
The analysis uncovered 71 suspicious accounts on X (formerly Twitter) that have been systematically promoting official Azerbaijani government messaging about the upcoming climate conference. Most of these accounts were created after May 2024, often appearing in coordinated bursts.
This digital campaign appears to have successfully shifted online discourse around the event. In July, seven of the top 10 most engaged posts using hashtags like #COP29 and #COP29Azerbaijan were critical of Azerbaijan, particularly regarding the conflict with Armenia. By September, all top 10 most engaged posts came from the official Cop29 Azerbaijan account.
“Azerbaijan is days away from hosting the most important climate event of the year,” said Ava Lee of Global Witness. “It’s vitally important that there is space for a real discussion about what governments must do to address the climate emergency. Yet a network of seemingly inauthentic accounts are replacing rightful criticism with flowery positivity.”
The investigation revealed several suspicious patterns among these accounts. Most share nature-related banner and profile images, often featuring identical pictures of flowers or trees. More than half of their posts in September used official Cop29 hashtags, while 70% of their retweets promoted official Azerbaijani government, party, or politician content.
Further evidence suggested coordinated management of these accounts. On October 1, 12 accounts posted in sequential order, indicating they might be controlled by a single operator logging into each account successively. The accounts also formed a network, with most connecting to at least six other suspicious profiles.
An additional 111 accounts were identified as posting support for Azerbaijan Cop29 officials in similar patterns, though they didn’t share the nature-themed imagery of the primary group.
The timing is particularly significant as Azerbaijan prepares to host the UN climate summit beginning November 11. During this conference, nations will attempt to negotiate stronger commitments to reduce fossil fuel usage and address the climate crisis.
Azerbaijan’s role as host has drawn scrutiny due to its significant fossil fuel reserves and plans to increase gas production by 50% over the next decade. Critics argue that allowing petrostates to host climate negotiations creates potential conflicts of interest.
This isn’t the first time a Cop host has been linked to suspicious social media activity. Last year’s conference in the United Arab Emirates saw a similar phenomenon, with fake accounts defending and promoting the UAE’s hosting role. That conference ended with nations agreeing to “transition away from fossil fuels” rather than the stronger “phase out” language many had advocated for.
Azerbaijan has a documented history of digital manipulation campaigns. In April 2022, Meta reported disrupting “a complex network in Azerbaijan that engaged in both cyber-espionage and coordinated inauthentic behaviour.” Meta attributed this operation to Azerbaijan’s ministry of internal affairs, noting it targeted democracy activists, opposition figures, journalists, and government critics.
X has taken action against some of the accounts identified in the report. A spokesperson stated: “We have actioned a majority of the accounts that are flagged in this report. Our safety teams are constantly working to thwart coordinated inauthentic behaviour.” At the time of publication, some accounts had been suspended or temporarily restricted.
Critics argue that social media platforms bear responsibility for allowing such campaigns to flourish. “The ease at which these accounts were able to influence the online conversation is concerning, especially as X has deliberately reduced the capacity of its trust and safety teams,” Lee noted, calling for the platform to “allow a healthy and authentic debate to flourish around a key global moment.”
Despite multiple requests for comment, Azerbaijan’s ministry of foreign affairs and the Cop29 press office did not respond.
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10 Comments
This investigation highlights the ongoing challenge of combating coordinated disinformation campaigns, especially around major international events. Vigilance and fact-checking are essential to uphold the integrity of these important discussions.
Absolutely. Governments and social media platforms must work together to detect and remove inauthentic accounts spreading misleading propaganda. The public deserves access to accurate, unbiased information.
The findings highlight the ongoing challenge of combating social media manipulation, particularly when it involves state-backed actors. Maintaining trust in climate negotiations requires robust safeguards against such interference.
Absolutely. Transparent, fact-based dialogue is essential for the COP process to be credible and effective. Any attempt to distort the online narrative through inauthentic means is deeply concerning.
While Azerbaijan may see hosting COP29 as an opportunity, this investigation suggests a troubling attempt to game the system through coordinated online propaganda. Tackling climate change demands honest, inclusive policymaking.
This investigation underscores the importance of scrutinizing online activity, especially around major global events. Coordinated disinformation campaigns can quickly skew public discourse if left unchecked.
While hosting the COP29 summit is a significant opportunity for Azerbaijan, any efforts to artificially boost positive sentiment online raise serious ethical concerns. True progress on climate change requires open, transparent dialogue.
Agreed. The credibility of the COP process is at stake if host countries are seen to be interfering with or distorting the public conversation. Objective reporting and open debate must be prioritized.
Concerning to see suspected fake accounts pushing a biased narrative around the COP29 climate summit. Transparency and open dialogue are crucial for addressing global issues like climate change effectively.
Agreed. Any attempts to manipulate online discourse and stifle legitimate criticism are deeply troubling. We need an honest, inclusive process to address the climate emergency.