RT Article
T1 Creating Fake Accounts to Influence Public Opinion: Effects and the Dilemma of Criminalization
JF International journal of criminal justice sciences
VO 20
IS 1
SP 1
OP 17
A1 Ghaibi, Dhia Moslem Abd Alameer
LA English
YR 2025
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1942606133
AB 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.
K1 Misinformation
K1 electoral interference
K1 fake accounts
K1 Public discourse
K1 social polarization
K1 technological interventions