Bot attacks target critical voices in Serbia and Macedonia

Large-scale bot attacks hit Serbian and Macedonian Instagram accounts

Critical Instagram profiles in Serbia and North Macedonia fell victim to coordinated bot attacks. These operations aimed to disrupt public discourse by pushing for platform shutdowns and limiting the reach of voices critical of authorities.

Targets of the attacks

Serbian student movement Instagram accounts.
Independent media outlet accounts in North Macedonia.

These attacks mirrored each other in method and timing, suggesting coordination and a deliberate effort to silence dissent.

Purpose and impact

The bot operations used automated systems to flood Instagram profiles with reports and spam. The intended effect was to trigger Instagram’s automated systems to block or restrict these profiles, cutting down their ability to communicate with followers.

Broader context

This wave of attacks reflects growing challenges for independent media and activist groups in the region, facing digital censorship and online harassment designed to stifle criticism.

“Such coordinated online assaults represent a serious threat to free expression and democratic engagement,” experts warn.

These coordinated bot attacks on social media reflect a deliberate strategy to silence dissent in Serbia and North Macedonia, raising urgent concerns about digital rights and media freedom.

Global Voices — 2025-11-29

Large-scale bot attacks hit Serbian and Macedonian Instagram accounts

Targets of the attacks

Purpose and impact

Broader context

More News