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Remember IUVM? A global network of Iranian disinformation ops that @Bing_Chris and @jc_stubbs reported on in 2018. 
IUVM is now sanctioned by OFAC for election interference.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1158 https://twitter.com/Bing_Chris/status/1319690949325426688
IUVM is now sanctioned by OFAC for election interference.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1158 https://twitter.com/Bing_Chris/status/1319690949325426688
Since October 2018, Twitter and Facebook have taken down multiple IUVM-related networks. @DFRLab's analysis from 2018: https://medium.com/dfrlab/trolltracker-an-iranian-messaging-laundromat-218c46509193
Early on in the pandemic, IUMV turned to Coronavirus to spread anti-US and pro-China messaging.
@Graphika_NYC published a report on this in April:
https://public-assets.graphika.com/reports/Graphika_Report_IUVM_Turns_to_Coronavirus.pdf
@Graphika_NYC published a report on this in April:
https://public-assets.graphika.com/reports/Graphika_Report_IUVM_Turns_to_Coronavirus.pdf
Earlier this month, DOJ seized 92 domains of Iranian disinformation networks, including the IUVM. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/united-states-seizes-domain-names-used-iran-s-islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps
IUVM has been in this trade for a while. In 2014, it received an "innovation award" for its use of social media to broadcast a live event in Gaza.
IRGC's Chief Commander handed the award.
https://bit.ly/3oi6hY9
IRGC's Chief Commander handed the award.
https://bit.ly/3oi6hY9
Another designated entity is Bayan Gostar Rasaneh. In 2012, it was one of the producers of "Revolutions without Borders," a documentary series about the Arab Spring.
Other producers were IRIB and Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
https://bit.ly/34pxEYq
Other producers were IRIB and Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
https://bit.ly/34pxEYq
Bayan Gostar Rasaneh seems to also be in the business of tech support for IUVM.
(some Iranian tech companies have really poor privacy settings TFW - not pasting the URL here as it contains PII)
(some Iranian tech companies have really poor privacy settings TFW - not pasting the URL here as it contains PII)
Bottom line: It took the US two years to sanction Russia's IRA for seeking to interfere in the 2016 election.
Designation of IUVM and other Iranian entities was done way faster this time around. We'll see if/how these sanctions affect Iran's behavior in this space.
Designation of IUVM and other Iranian entities was done way faster this time around. We'll see if/how these sanctions affect Iran's behavior in this space.
