Bot comments Report August - December 2024

During the period from August to December 2024, the analyses of toxic bot comments were conducted using the same methodology as in previous months. However, the datasets for these months were not large enough to generate the full range of visualizations. This does not imply the absence of toxic bot activity. On the contrary, the use of bots for manipulating public opinion continues to rise, driven by various political actors and other entities.

One reason for the smaller datasets is the rapid evolution of bot technology, which makes detection increasingly difficult. Simultaneously, access to social media data has become more restricted as platforms grow more secretive, despite new regulations like the Digital Services Act (DSA).

Here’s a brief overview of the data gathered between August and December 2024:

August 2024

• Total messages: 270

• Period covered: August 4 - August 28

• Notable peak: August 22, 2024

• Potential events linked to the peak (see a full list of events):

• The war in Gaza

September 2024

• Total messages: 298

• Period covered: September 3 - September 29

• Notable peak: September 3, 2024

• Potential events fueling the bot content (see a full list of events on that day):

  • Islamic State-Taliban conflict

  • Russian invasion of Ukraine

  • Tarmuwa Massacre

October 2024

• Total messages: 400

• Period covered: October 3 - October 30

• Notable peak: October 28, 2024

• Potential events linked to the peak (see a full list of events):

  • Israel-Hezbollah conflict

  • Parliamentary elections in Bulgaria

  • Israel’s Knesset vote to ban UNWRA operations

November 2024

• Total messages: 446

• Period covered: November 1 - November 29

• Notable peak: November 6, 2024

• Potential events fueling the bot content (see a full list of events):

  • Israel-Hezbollah conflict

  • Russian invasion of Ukraine

December 2024

• Total messages: 621

• Period covered: December 1 - December 30

• Notable peak: December 10, 2024

• Potential events linked to the peak (see a full list of events):

  • Sudanese civil war

  • The beginning of the end of Al-Assad’s regime in Syria

Summary:

While toxic bot activity was detected during the last five months of 2024, the challenges in detection and data availability underscore the growing sophistication of bot networks and the increased difficulty in accessing social media data.