The internet blackout in Iran has severely restricted the flow of credible information regarding the ongoing political unrest, leading to a surge in online propaganda, disinformation, and influence campaigns from various actors seeking to sway the conflict's outcome. Experts in disinformation flow and the Iranian information ecosystem reported that inauthentic accounts, commonly known as bots, have been actively spreading false and contradictory narratives across social media platforms like X and Instagram. These bots have disseminated misleading or artificially generated photographs and videos, further obscuring the reality of the situation on the ground.

These coordinated information campaigns online have been identified by researchers, though definitive attribution remains elusive. Much of the content originating from these inauthentic accounts appears to support the Iranian opposition, with some promoting Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah of Iran, who was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Conversely, other accounts have amplified the Iranian government's claims that the unrest is orchestrated by foreign adversaries, particularly the United States and Israel. Allies of Iran, such as Russia, have also echoed these claims through their state-controlled media outlets.

The use of bots to manipulate public opinion is not a new phenomenon, but the Iranian internet blackout has created a fertile ground for their proliferation. These bots often employ sophisticated techniques to mimic genuine user behavior, making them difficult to detect. They can amplify specific narratives, suppress dissenting voices, and sow discord within online communities. The impact of these campaigns can be significant, potentially influencing public perception, shaping political discourse, and even inciting real-world violence.

The technical sophistication of these disinformation campaigns is constantly evolving. Researchers are developing new tools and techniques to identify and counter these threats, including machine learning algorithms that can detect patterns of inauthentic behavior. Social media platforms are also under increasing pressure to improve their content moderation policies and remove bot accounts. However, the challenge remains significant, as the actors behind these campaigns are constantly adapting their tactics to evade detection.

The current status of the Iranian internet blackout remains unchanged, and the flow of reliable information remains severely restricted. The next developments will likely depend on the Iranian government's response to the unrest and the extent to which it maintains the internet shutdown. In the meantime, the online battle over truth continues, with various actors vying to shape the narrative and influence the outcome of the conflict.