A covert AI-powered influence network has for years been promoting pro-India narratives across X, Facebook and other social media platforms, according to researchers.

The network consists of at least 500 Facebook and 904 X (formerly Twitter) accounts that have been engaged what appears to be a coordinated effort to promote pro-India content, bolster the image of the Narendra Modi-led administration and undermine neighbouring countries.

The accounts were busily posting, reposting, and commenting on content intended to spread favour for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration in India. 

The content also routinely casts aspersions on China, the Maldives, Bangladesh (following the popular ousting of its former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina) and Pakistan.

Despite the extensive use of AI to generate content, the network's activities have not significantly increased audience engagement. 

Many posts received little interaction beyond replies from its own accounts, indicating that the influence efforts may have been largely ineffective.

Timeline ⏰

• September 2021. The influence network begins operations across Facebook and X.

• March 2024. The Council on Foreign Relations reports on Indian crackdowns in Kashmir, a topic the network later targets for counter-messaging.

• June 2024. The network scales up, with hundreds of accounts posting identical AI-generated content about Pakistan's economic crisis.

• July 2024. NewsGuard identifies coordinated "fan" comments from 20 fake accounts on posts involving the Indian Chief of Army Staff.

• August 2024. The network expands its focus to include the ouster of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

• September 2024. NewsGuard publicly releases its investigation uncovering the network.

Research, advocacy 🧮

• Newsguard. NewsGuard Uncovers Massive India-Aligned Network Using AI and Fake Accounts to Target Country’s Foes Operating without Detection for Three Years

News, commentary, analysis 🗞️

• https://www.darkreading.com/threat-intelligence/indian-army-propaganda-ai-powered-social-media-accounts