Manipulating the Internet

Available for over a year

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.