Pakistan-based operator used 31 hacked X accounts to spread AI-generated war videos
X disclosed that a Pakistan-based operator used 31 hacked accounts to post AI-generated videos about the US-Israel-Iran conflict, with the goal of generating revenue through platform monetization. X suspended the accounts and announced enforcement of AI disclosure requirements with monetization penalties for violations.
What happened
X product head Nikita Bier disclosed that the platform identified a Pakistan-based user controlling 31 hacked accounts, which were used to post AI-generated videos related to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. The accounts were previously compromised, then renamed to 'Iran War Monitor' and similar names on February 27, 2026.
The operator used these accounts to rapidly post AI-generated war videos alongside pro-Iran content. X suspended the accounts and the operator's access to monetization features.
Reported impact
The network spread misleading content about the US-Israel-Iran conflict across the platform. The operator reportedly did this primarily to generate revenue through X's creator monetization system rather than for ideological reasons.
Index analysis
X's team identified and dismantled the network of compromised accounts being used to distribute synthetic war videos during an active geopolitical conflict. Bier stated the operator was motivated by financial gain through platform monetization rather than state-sponsored activity.
X indicated it is improving its capacity to detect such coordinated networks faster and is eliminating financial incentives for users spreading misinformation through coordinated account operations. Creators posting undisclosed AI-generated videos face suspension from the creator revenue sharing program for up to 90 days.
Governance controls
X announced enforcement of requirements that creators disclose when videos are AI-generated, with suspension from monetization programs as a penalty for violations. The platform stated it is taking action against users who exploit trending topics through fake content to generate views and revenue.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.