Amid Iran's internet shutdown, a surge of disinformation and propaganda campaigns online has obscured the reality of the political unrest within the country. Experts in disinformation flow and the Iranian information ecosystem report that inauthentic accounts, commonly known as bots, are disseminating false and conflicting narratives across social media platforms such as X and Instagram.

These bots have been sharing misleading or artificially generated photographs and videos, further complicating the understanding of events on the ground. The content aims to support various agendas, including bolstering the Iranian opposition, with some accounts championing Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah of Iran. Conversely, other accounts have echoed the Iranian government's claims that the unrest is orchestrated by foreign adversaries, particularly the United States and Israel, a narrative amplified by allies like Russia through their state media outlets.

Researchers have identified multiple coordinated information campaigns operating online. However, definitive attribution of these campaigns remains challenging. The lack of reliable internet access within Iran has created an information vacuum, making it easier for disinformation to spread unchecked. This situation highlights the vulnerability of information ecosystems during periods of political instability and internet censorship.

The use of bots to manipulate public opinion is not new, but the scale and coordination observed in this instance are noteworthy. These inauthentic accounts often employ techniques such as artificial intelligence to generate realistic-looking content and mimic human behavior, making them difficult to detect. Social media platforms are under increasing pressure to develop more effective methods for identifying and removing these accounts.

The current situation underscores the importance of media literacy and critical thinking skills in navigating the online information landscape. As Iran's internet blackout continues, the battle for truth online is likely to intensify, further complicating efforts to understand the reality of the unrest within the country. The long-term impact of this disinformation on public opinion and political stability remains to be seen.