New Delhi – A fake Pakistani social media account has been unmasked for impersonating a Minority Rights Activist based in Kota, Rajasthan, while actively spreading false information about the Indian Army and security forces, with the alleged intent of sowing discord and unrest within the country.
The groundbreaking exposé comes courtesy of D-Intent Data – a Propaganda and Fake News Detection Center known for its commitment to neutral fact-checking and intent analysis.
Deconstructing the Impersonation
The account in question, previously operating under the handle @ImranBajwaPak, had a well-documented history of disseminating anti-India content while simultaneously extolling the virtues of Pakistan. Numerous interactions with individuals from Pakistan further raised suspicions about the account’s true motivations.
However, a more in-depth investigation by D-Intent Data revealed a critical oversight by the account holder. Several old tweets in Urdu about Pakistan were discovered on the account’s timeline.
These tweets, originating from the account’s previous identity, @ImranBajwaPak, were left unaltered when the account was rebranded. This oversight became a crucial piece of evidence that pointed towards the impersonation and its nefarious objectives.
To further cement their findings, D-Intent Data conducted a meticulous analysis of the account’s Twitter ID. The results were startlingly conclusive: the current account, @DalitOfficial, shared the exact same ID number, “761187966702252032”, as the previous @ImranBajwaPak account.
This incontrovertible proof confirmed that both accounts were operated by the same individual, solidifying the case for impersonation and malicious intent.
A Troubling Pattern
This revelation is not an isolated incident. Impersonation of individuals, organizations, and activists by malevolent actors across international borders is a growing concern.
In this instance, the fake Pakistani account exploited sensitive issues related to minority rights and regional tensions in a deliberate attempt to incite unrest within India. This underscores the pressing need for vigilance when navigating the digital realm and discerning between authentic and fabricated information.
Previous Exposures
D-Intent Data has a track record of exposing similar fake propaganda accounts designed to sow discord and manipulate public sentiment. Just a few months ago, they uncovered a fake propaganda account from Pakistan masquerading as a South Asian Human Rights Body, operating under the name @SAHR_Watch. These accounts frequently employ emotional manipulation, false narratives, and the exploitation of existing divisions to advance their malicious agendas.
Pakistan has indeed been associated with disinformation campaigns against India in the past. These campaigns often involve the spread of false or misleading information with the aim of creating discord, inciting violence, or damaging India’s reputation.
Such disinformation efforts can take various forms, including fake news articles, social media manipulation, and propaganda. It’s crucial for individuals, organizations, and governments to remain vigilant, critically assess information, and rely on credible sources to counter the spread of disinformation and maintain stability in the region.
