SUDAN NEWS ALERT: CNN – Fake Instagram accounts are hijacking Sudan solidarity campaign
CNN reports that some Instagram accounts have been accused of using a social media campaign that aims to promote solidarity with victims of unrest in Sudan merely to gain more followers on the platform.
@SudanMealProject posted a blue photo in reference to #BlueForSudan, as social media users turned their profile pictures blue in a bid to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
It promised to provide one meal for “starving Sudanese children” to everyone who follows and shares their account. However, no reference was given to any recognized aid agency working in Sudan or how the meals would be distributed.
After the post went viral, many people on Instagram and Twitter started doubting the veracity of its claims. Media outlets such as The Atlantic also reported that @SudanMealProject was fake.
Instagram has removed the account.