"Fake pro-Trump X accounts using stolen photos of European influencers: Research", 29 August 2024

At least 17 social media accounts posing as supporters of former President Trump shared posts using stolen photos of European women, new research shows.

Working with CNN, the London-based Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) found accounts posing as young, pro-Trump American women are using unsolicited photos of European fashion and beauty influencers.

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These accounts have heralded Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), while criticizing the Biden-Harris administration. They also post about divisive issues “to exploit pre-existing tensions,” including commenting on LGBTQ rights and continued Ukraine aid, the report said.

Sometimes the users also spread conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic and some of the posts have generated “tens – and sometimes hundreds – of thousands of views,” per the center.

Researchers also noted that it is unclear who is behind the accounts, or if they are true supporters of the former president or merely pushing the content out for monetary gain.

Most of the accounts reviewed in the report have a blue check mark, meaning they have subscribed for a premium X account...

The company does, however, require that verified accounts have “no signs of being misleading or deceptive.” The report said since it found the 17 accounts, the company’s standards have “clearly failed.”

The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign and X for comment.