A network of Instagram accounts is actively promoting paid advice for individuals seeking to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, according to a BBC investigation. These profiles utilize social media algorithms to amplify their reach, sharing content that often presents a misleadingly hopeful or emotive portrayal of the journey.
Investigators found that by following relevant content and engaging with accounts that advertise passage to Ceuta, a dummy profile created for the investigation quickly saw its feed dominated by videos and posts encouraging the dangerous crossing. Some of these accounts direct interested individuals to WhatsApp numbers or email addresses for further paid assistance.
The proliferation of these accounts on Instagram appears to be facilitated by the platform's algorithms, which tend to boost content that elicits strong reactions, thereby increasing the visibility and potential client base for those offering passage. This trend highlights how the manipulation of social media algorithms can contribute to real-world harm, as individuals seeking to profit from migration exploit these platforms to reach a wider audience.
The journey to Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the North African coast, involves significant risks, often including perilous sea crossings and attempts to circumvent border fences. Images have shown migrants arriving by sea and on coastal paths, with some accounts detailing methods like using sewer pipes for entry.
This tactic of using social media to charge migrants for advice and passage is a growing concern, as it preys on vulnerable individuals and can facilitate dangerous journeys with potentially fatal consequences. The accounts identified are part of a broader pattern where digital platforms are used to offer guidance, often for a fee, on how to undertake dangerous migration routes.