Clemson University researchers find extensive Iranian-linked fake X accounts pushing leftist politics in UK

A network of fake social media accounts, reportedly linked to the Iranian government, has been pushing leftist political agendas and promoting Scottish independence in an effort to stoke division and tension within the United Kingdom. According to a report by The Times, the accounts, believed to be operated or influenced by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have been posing as left-wing British citizens.

Research conducted by academics at Clemson University in the US uncovered more than 80 such accounts. These accounts are responsible for at least 4 percent of all discussions on X about Scottish independence, a volume four times higher than the activity of the official Scottish National Party (SNP) account.

One of the posts from these fake accounts criticized the British monarchy, claiming that Prince George had flying lessons at the age of 11 “as children across the UK suffer due to ‘cost of living crisis.’” Another post stated “The people robbing this country travel by private jet not by dinghy,” garnering millions of views and 82,000 likes.

This is not the first time Iranian-linked accounts have attempted to exacerbate tensions in the UK. Over the summer, the same network stoked tension concerning anti-mass immigration protests by targeting Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform Party, calling him a “worthless, snide bigot” who “sows divisiveness, deceit, and hatred.”

According to the Clemson report, this most recent wave of Iranian activity is more sophisticated than previous efforts. The fake accounts feature detailed biographies, convincing profile pictures, and large followings, making them appear more legitimate.

Darren Linvill, co-author of the Clemson report, emphasized the role of the IRGC in pushing for Scottish independence, saying, “It’s clear that the IRGC is taking on an extremely active role in supporting Scottish independence across social media.” Linvill explained that the accounts amplify the issue, making it seem more prominent and the pro-independence movement more popular than it might actually be.

“Platforms and governments can and should be doing more. X, in particular, has stepped away from meaningful work to mitigate this type of activity, and the impact is clear,” he claimed.