Disinformation Campaign Targeted Taiwan’s 2025 Vote

Cyabra uncovered how fake accounts used nuclear fear narratives and political framing to manipulate public sentiment ahead of Taiwan’s 2025 vote.

Between May 31 and July 23, 2025, Cyabra uncovered a coordinated disinformation campaign on platform X aimed at influencing Taiwan’s 2025 referendum. Fake accounts used nuclear fear and sovereignty narratives to erode trust in the democratic process and sway public opinion.

32% of the 836 profiles analyzed were fake—triple the typical rate. These accounts published 335 pieces of content, 92% focused on nuclear themes. They pushed three main narratives: framing nuclear war as imminent, labeling the referendum a political tool of the ruling party, and portraying independence as reckless.

Disinformation peaked on June 23, the day of Taiwan’s referendum announcement, with a 1,500% spike in nuclear-related posts. Though total engagement was modest, fake accounts infiltrated authentic conversations and reached over 130,000 users, embedding fear-driven narratives at a politically sensitive moment.

#Elections, National Security