Most X accounts posting about Belfast and Southampton unrest were based outside UK
Exclusive: Analysis shows 55% of accounts were located overseas – and seven of 12 most-read posts came from US
TL;DR
- More than 50% of X accounts discussing the June riots in Belfast and Southampton were based outside the UK.
- The US accounted for 16.8% of these accounts, followed by Ireland (4.5%) and other European countries.
- Seven of the 12 most-read tweets about the events originated from the US, including posts from Elon Musk and US 'alt-right' commentators.
- Nearly a third of all analyzed tweets contained racist or anti-immigration comments, with almost 10% related to Belfast including calls for violence.
- Security experts warn that the UK is a soft target for online manipulation by overseas actors.
- Foreign actors aim to amplify local tragedies, intensify racist narratives, incite violence, and influence UK and European politics.