Strategy for Detecting Potentially Fake Profiles on Tiktok: A Case Study Based on Digital Analysis Techniques and Osint Tools.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/30phrd87Keywords:
Potentially fake profiles; TikTok; OSINT analysis; triangulation of evidence; visual verification.Abstract
The proliferation of potentially fake profiles on social media makes it difficult to verify digital identities and requires integrating different sources of evidence. The purpose of this study was to develop and apply a strategy to identify potentially fake profiles on TikTok by combining quantitative indicators, OSINT analysis, and visual verification.
An applied case study was conducted, using a non-experimental design and a pragmatic approach. Twenty public TikTok profiles were intentionally analyzed. The strategy comprised four phases: initial characterization using Tikmatrix, analysis of identifier matches using Sherlock, reverse image search using Google Lens, and triangulation of evidence. Three indicators were calculated: the ratio of followers to accounts followed, likes per video, and the volume of posts relative to followers. Classification was established using quartiles.
Of the 20 profiles analyzed, nine were prioritized for a second assessment. Sherlock identified 31 external matches, with @pk.cat.fun3 standing out with 12, and @_thiennkimz, @wxdx1015, and @luysacr with five each. Verification using Google Lens allowed us to identify visual matches across several profiles. Triangulation identified three profiles with a high level of evidence: @footcr7fc, @_thiennkimz, @wxdx1015, and @pk.cat.fun3; four with a moderate level; and one with a low level.
The integration of quantitative, nominal, and visual evidence made it possible to establish differentiated levels of suspicion and prioritize potentially fake profiles. The results show that triangulation is a more consistent strategy than the isolated use of a single indicator, although the classification obtained represents an assessment of suspicion and not a definitive confirmation of falsity.
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