BBC Investigation Uncovers Foreign Networks Fueling Sectarian Hate on X in Syria

BRUSSELS– A sweeping investigation by the BBC has uncovered a network of foreign-run accounts on X (formerly Twitter) spreading sectarian hate speech and disinformation in Syria, raising concerns over the platform’s role in shaping narratives amid the country’s political transition.

Published Saturday, the report found tens of thousands of coordinated accounts promoting false or inflammatory content about Syria’s new government and minority communities. The disinformation surge coincides with ongoing political changes in the country following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8.

BBC investigators analyzed over two million posts on X since Assad’s ouster, including a focused review of more than 400,000 posts. Of these, some 50,000 contained demonstrably false or unreliable claims targeting the new Syrian administration. Notably, 60% of those posts originated from accounts located outside Syria.

The report details the use of bot networks, algorithmic manipulation, and coordinated tactics such as synchronized posting and recycling old content to mislead audiences. Many accounts used in these campaigns featured randomized names with jumbled letters and numbers, suggesting they were artificially created for this specific purpose.

It is worth noting that Syria’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research issued a ban on any content promoting hate speech, sectarianism, or racism.

According to state media outlet SANA, the directive prohibits the publication or circulation of such content by any means, and applies to faculty, students, and staff across all public and private universities and affiliated institutions.

Violators face disciplinary, civil, and legal penalties, including potential expulsion or prosecution under current laws. University presidents, deans, and senior officials have been tasked with enforcing the policy.