Creating Fake Accounts to Influence Public Opinion: Effects and the Dilemma of Criminalization

During the age of information, the development of phony accounts is a burning challenge on the virtual platform. They are also usually made to serve the purpose of manipulating the opinion of people, misinforming, and politically, socially, and economically altering...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ghaibi, Dhia Moslem Abd Alameer (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2025
In: International journal of criminal justice sciences
Year: 2025, Volume: 20, Issue: 1, Pages: 1-17
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Misinformation
electoral interference
fake accounts
Public discourse
social polarization
technological interventions
Description
Summary:During the age of information, the development of phony accounts is a burning challenge on the virtual platform. They are also usually made to serve the purpose of manipulating the opinion of people, misinforming, and politically, socially, and economically altering landscapes. This paper explores the issue of creation and usage of fake accounts, their effect on democratic processes, media integrity and credibility of people .The study follows a descriptive-analytical approach with a comparative legal study using case studies, legislations, and international treaties concerning the cybercrime. The data base was obtained by means of the broad search of scholarly references, legalistic institutions, and practice-related law court decisions. The results were discussed through the examination of how national and international legislatures react to the issue of fake accounts.The study does not imply the sampling method in the common empirical meaning; nevertheless, it conducts the systematic study of cases and policies in the United States and the European Union to achieve the complete picture. The research has provided implications, demonstrating that legal frameworks should become more harmonious, cross-border cooperation even more efficient, and technological innovations should be developed to track and fight fake accounts. Another measure that would be recommended in this paper is the increased awareness and the promotion of digital literacy to resist the impacts of digital deception and influence in the society.
ISSN:0973-5089