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Manipulating the Internet
Getting people to follow or add you on social media takes time and effort. In Trending this week we ask: is there an easier way? And is it legal?
Mukul Devichand interviews a man who supplies 'bots' - that is, software routines that artificially create trends or boost follower numbers using fake identities. It's a legal grey area - not a crime but a violation of Twitter and other networks terms of service.
But is there a moral dimension to acquiring 'fake followers'? We meet a man who bought thousands of them, lost them and now suffers from deep pangs of regret.
Also featuring David Cuen, BBC languages social media editor, in the studio.
Join the conversation on Twitter #BBCTrending.
Last on
Sun 29 Dec 201323:50GMT
BBC World Service Online
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- Sat 28 Dec 201314:50GMTBBC World Service Online
- Sun 29 Dec 201304:50GMTBBC World Service Online
- Sun 29 Dec 201323:50GMTBBC World Service Online
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In-depth reporting on the world of social media

