Bots boost support for Azerbaijan’s hosting of climate summit
More than 1,800 fake social media accounts on X are promoting Azerbaijan as the COP29 host, despite criticism over the nation’s commitment to fossil fuels and human rights.
Maxine Joselow reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- An analysis found that at least 1,800 bots praised Azerbaijan’s role as the COP29 climate summit host, with many accounts backing statements by President Ilham Aliyev about Azerbaijan’s renewable energy goals.
- Researchers noted the accounts also amplified anti-Armenian messages, including calls for continued imprisonment of Armenian figures after last year’s conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.
- The bot activity raises questions about platform accountability, as X had previously pledged to reduce automated accounts.
Key quote:
“Azerbaijan is under scrutiny because of their position as a gas producer, so it makes sense that some entity would be trying to burnish their credentials by artificially amplifying positive messages about COP29.”
— Marc Owen Jones, expert on disinformation at Northwestern University in Qatar
Why this matters:
Bots promoting fossil-fuel interests at a climate summit threaten transparency and undermine efforts to address climate change meaningfully. With COP29 set to address critical climate goals, the credibility of climate leadership remains vital as nations with high fossil fuel stakes step into hosting roles.
Read more: AI-driven misinformation on climate change is a growing threat
