Cambridge Researchers Launch Global Index Tracking Fake Account Verification Prices Across 500+ Platforms
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teleforce
5mo ago· 4 min readenNews
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Summary
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have created the first global index tracking real-time prices for buying fake account verifications across 500+ online platforms worldwide. The study reveals that prices for fake accounts on messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp increase by an average of 12% during election periods, indicating demand for political influence operations. The research analyzed SMS verification prices for eight major social media platforms in the 30 days leading up to 61 national elections globally between summer 2024 and the following summer.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledThe first global index tracking real-time prices for buying fake account verifications on 500+ online platforms in every country has been launched by a team at the University of Cambridge.
They found that fake account prices shot up for direct messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp during election run-ups the world over, likely driven by demand.
An account on Telegram increased in price by an average of 12%, and by [additional percentage for WhatsApp implied].
To investigate if political influence operations can be seen in these markets, the team analysed price and availability of SMS verifications for eight major social media platforms in the 30 days leading up to 61 national elections held around the world between summer 2024 and the following summer.
The first global index tracking real-time prices for buying fake account verifications on 500+ online platforms in every country has been launched by a team at the University of Cambridge.
