In the days leading up to a significant influx of migrants into Europe, a brief video shared on Instagram attracted 1.4 million views. The video depicted a young man immersed in water up to his neck, with a map showcasing a sea route from Fnideq, Morocco, to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in Africa. The account owner later indicated in comments that “we’ve arrived.”
Numerous viral posts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok seemed to play a role in mobilizing two waves of irregular migration from Morocco to Ceuta. These posts were part of online communities focused on migration-related content such as music, memes, and imagery. Some of these accounts exploited the aspirations of mostly African and Middle Eastern youth seeking better opportunities abroad.
There is a debate among governments and organizations regarding whether a single entity orchestrated the events in Ceuta or if migration was manipulated for geopolitical purposes. However, it is evident that misinformation, spread across various online communities, influenced the migration waves towards Ceuta during the summer.
A visual investigations team from CBC, assisted by Sebastian Vandermeersch from Bellingcat, identified multiple social media accounts, particularly on Instagram, that were active before the initial wave on July 30. The surge in posts was triggered by misinformation suggesting that a Spanish court ruling would allow migrants arriving by sea to stay. Faceless accounts then began promoting the idea of the crossing, resulting in over 72,000 people entering Ceuta on July 30, causing chaos and a political crisis.
Although the majority of those who crossed in July returned to Morocco, around 5,000 individuals remain in Ceuta, some living on a beach with support from charities. Tragically, nearly 100 people lost their lives attempting the crossing.
The online misinformation and manipulation, disseminated through social media, had tangible consequences, emphasizing the impact of such actions on vulnerable populations seeking answers and opportunities. Meta and TikTok agreed to fact-check posts following the events to prevent criminal organizations from exploiting migrants for profit using misinformation.
Another surge of online posts preceded the August 15 attempt to enter Spain, indicating a new opportunity for migration. Many accounts that facilitated the July 30 crossing were involved, alongside new accounts created in anticipation of August 15. The messages from these accounts hinted at significant events happening on that day.
Reports from Morocco revealed that hundreds of people approached the border on August 15, but authorities on both sides were prepared, resulting in the arrest of nearly 300 migrants. The government had been monitoring social media posts encouraging the crossings and took action against those responsible.
The surge in online activity was partly fueled by an increase in successful migrant entries into Ceuta even before the Spanish court ruling. Ceuta had become a popular entry point into Spain, potentially due to stricter patrols on other migration routes.
The desire to migrate existed independently of social media, but the platforms played a role in shaping perceptions that the journey was feasible. Accounts targeting disillusioned young people in North Africa and beyond used aspirational content to promote migration, resonating with individuals facing economic challenges and a lack of opportunities in their home countries.
Accounts originating from North African countries, Italy, and Turkey used imagery and language suggesting migration to Europe without explicitly offering services. The posts often featured European landmarks and messages hinting at a new life in Europe, appealing to individuals seeking better prospects.
Accounts promoting migration have gained significant followings, with themes of departure and opportunity attracting thousands of users. Despite attempts to contact accounts involved in the migration waves, there was no response to inquiries.
This article highlights the power of social media in influencing migration patterns and the need for vigilance against misinformation that exploits vulnerable populations for profit.
