Indian Disinformation Network Uncovered Through Single Line of Code

A sprawling network of fake news stories has been targeting South Africa, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada since May, according to an investigation by News24. The media outlet has uncovered hundreds of fabricated articles published on hijacked domains through digital forensic techniques.

The operation appears highly coordinated, with similar content appearing simultaneously across multiple countries. These fake stories often mimic legitimate news outlets in style and presentation, making them difficult for casual readers to identify as fraudulent.

News24’s investigation revealed that operators behind the scheme have repurposed abandoned or expired domain names to host their content. This tactic allows the fake news to benefit from any residual trust or search engine authority the domains previously established. Security experts refer to this practice as “domain squatting” or “typosquatting” when the domains closely resemble legitimate news sites.

Digital fingerprints left by the operation suggest a sophisticated approach to distribution. The fake stories typically spread through social media platforms and messaging apps, where they can quickly reach thousands of users before content moderators can intervene. The articles often contain sensationalist headlines designed to trigger emotional responses and encourage sharing.

The content of these fabricated stories varies by region but frequently focuses on divisive political topics, financial scams, or false information about public figures. In South Africa, many articles have targeted economic issues and political tensions, while stories aimed at Australian audiences often involve immigration controversies or resource disputes.

Media literacy experts have expressed concern about the campaign’s potential impact on public discourse. Dr. Melissa Tully, a disinformation researcher at the University of Iowa, explained that such operations “exploit existing societal tensions and can significantly influence public opinion, especially in the lead-up to elections or during periods of social unrest.”

The timing of this fake news surge coincides with electoral cycles in several of the targeted countries, raising questions about potential political motivations. South Africa held national elections in May, while Canada and the United Kingdom are preparing for upcoming polls.

Cybersecurity analysts note that the operation’s sophistication suggests substantial resources behind it. “This isn’t amateur hour,” said Thomas Brewster, a digital security consultant. “The scale and coordination point to either a well-funded private operation or possibly state-backed actors using disinformation as a geopolitical tool.”

Attempts to trace the ultimate source of the campaign have proven challenging. The operators use multiple layers of digital obfuscation, including proxy servers and virtual private networks, to mask their origins. However, linguistic analysis of the content suggests the authors may not be native English speakers, as articles contain subtle grammatical patterns inconsistent with native usage.

Media organizations in the affected countries have begun collaborating on awareness campaigns to help readers identify suspicious content. Common red flags include websites with unusual domain extensions, absence of bylines, lack of citation for claims, and emotionally manipulative language.

Tech platforms including Meta and X (formerly Twitter) have acknowledged the challenge and stated they are enhancing their detection systems. “We’re continuously improving our ability to detect and limit the spread of coordinated inauthentic behavior,” a Meta spokesperson said. “This includes working with fact-checking organizations and implementing additional review processes for content from unfamiliar sources.”

Regulators are also taking notice. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner and the UK’s Ofcom have both launched inquiries into the matter, while South Africa’s Independent Communications Authority has issued public advisories about the fake news campaign.

News24’s investigation continues as the team works to document the full extent of the operation. Meanwhile, media literacy advocates emphasize the importance of critical thinking when consuming news online.

“Always check the source before sharing,” advised Kate Starbird, co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public. “Look for the same story on established news sites, verify claims through multiple sources, and be particularly skeptical of content that seems designed primarily to provoke outrage.”