CCSCD findings: networks of inauthentic social media accounts mobilized after elections to increase social tensions in Moldova

Networks of inauthentic accounts on social media platforms were mobilized immediately after the elections in Moldova. One documented network was formed on TikTok and consisted of 119 inauthentic accounts. The main purpose of this network was to create a negative informational background at the national level through artificial amplification, erode trust in institutions, enhance social tensions, and accentuate polarization. This conclusion is presented in the Report on Information Manipulation Actions and Foreign Interference (MIIS), published by the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation (CCSCD) on January 16.

According to the document, the activity of the network consisted of generating and distributing coordinated content, largely AI-generated, massive commenting, and synchronized and coordinated reciprocal interactions with posts, in order to artificially keep certain topics on the public agenda or to amplify their visibility.

“This technique is used to manipulate public perception. Thus, hostile messages and narratives are artificially promoted and made to appear legitimate, regardless of their real support in society. The case under study aimed to distort the information space, undermine trust in state authorities, as well as damage public confidence in democratic institutions and in the European path of Moldova,” the report reads.

Thus, in the period from October 1 to December 31, 2025, these accounts generated and distributed 5,588 posts, which accumulated approximately 50 million views, 104,000 comments, about 1.5 million reactions and approximately 250,000 shares.

“The high volume of content indicates an activity aimed at maximizing impact in the information space. Most of the messages and topics promoted were built around the subject of economic difficulties, with a focus on inflation, poverty, wage levels, pensions and compensations, as well as energy prices. Although presented as real challenges, through techniques of coordinated message amplification, these issues were exploited to fuel and channel public anger against government policies and institutional priorities. Additionally, such messages as ‘broken promises’ regarding delays and the diminishing Western enthusiasm for the Moldova and Ukraine, artificially amplified through repetition and synchronized promotion, were aimed at lowering trust in Western support and in the prospect of EU accession. This direction generated divergent calls: on the one hand, for sovereignty and neutrality, and on the other hand, for radical solutions, such as union with Romania, both contributing to increased polarization and the fragmentation of public consensus,” the document specifies.

Another set of themes targeted debates on sovereignty, identity and political legitimacy, exploiting such subjects as the union of Moldova with Romania, neutrality versus alignment with NATO or the EU.

“In parallel, identity-related topics linked to language, history, church property and educational reforms were amplified, as well as accusations of electoral manipulation, censorship and abuses of justice, in order to intensify antagonism and radicalize attitudes. The theme of corruption and the gap between rhetoric and reality was constantly exploited in the content, along with scandals related to gas and energy contracts, smuggling and drugs’ trafficking, banking fraud, parties’ financing and the vetting process in the justice system. These subjects were used to challenge the credibility of the government and to project the image of an institutional system that is complicit, selective, or incapable of reform,” the report notes.

The document further indicates that the network also kept visible a background of geopolitical tensions, through references to the war in Ukraine, the Russia–West confrontation, increased militarization, migration and sanctions.

“In this logic, warnings appear that Moldova is a ‘pawn’ or ‘buffer zone’ in competitions between great powers. Thus, by constantly exploiting and fueling fear, the perception of insecurity and strategic vulnerability is reinforced,” the document reads.

The report concludes that information manipulation activities represent a coordinated, persistent and adaptive effort with a direct impact on the democratic resilience of Moldova. The goal is not only to influence public opinion, but to degrade society’s ability to distinguish truth from falsehood.

In the context, CCSCD underlines the need for a whole-of-society approach, which should include strengthening strategic communication and cooperation among institutions, the media and civil society. The report also recommends coordinated actions to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen social cohesion.