Detecting Fake Social Media Profiles Using Blockchain Application
Mr. Shafwaan Ahmed T a Mr.Kamal Raj Pb
Student/CSE, C.Abdul Hakeem College of Engineering and Technology,Melvisharam,Tamil Nadu 632 509,India
a
b
Student/CSE, C.Abdul Hakeem College of Engineering and Technology,Melvisharam,Tamil Nadu 632 509,India
c
Head of the Department/CSE C.Abdul Hakeem College of Engineering and Technology,Melvisharam,Tamil Nadu 632 509,India
Abstract
In the modern digital landscape, the proliferation of fake
social media profiles poses significant challenges such as
scams and identity theft. Conventional methods of
identity verification often fall short in combating this
issue. However, blockchain technology offers a
transformative solution. Picture blockchain as an
impregnable digital ledger that securely stores
information. Through blockchain, we can establish a
system where each user's identity on social media is
immutably recorded, mitigating the possibility of
fraudulent profiles. Smart contracts, functioning as
digital agreements, can automatically authenticate users'
identities according to predefined criteria. This enables
swift and precise verification of users' authenticity. By
harnessing blockchain to combat fake social media
profiles, we enhance the safety and integrity of the online
sphere for all participants. It's akin to possessing a
digital ID card that is virtually impossible to counterfeit.
Keywords: Solidity, Ganache, Smart Contract, Remix
Ethereum, Authentication, UIDAI API - Unique
Identification Authority of India.
Introduction
In the ever-expanding landscape of social media, the
pervasive issue of fake profiles has become a persistent
challenge, undermining the trust and integrity of online
interactions [1]. The traditional mechanisms of identity
verification have proven inadequate in stemming the tide of
fraudulent accounts, leaving users vulnerable to various
forms of exploitation, including scams and identity theft.
However, amidst this digital quagmire, a beacon of hope
emerges in the form of blockchain technology—a
revolutionary paradigm that holds the potential to redefine
the dynamics of online identity verification [3]. At its core,
blockchain serves as a decentralized and immutable ledger,
capable of securely recording transactions and data across a
distributed network of nodes. This intrinsic property of
blockchain lends itself seamlessly to the establishment of a
robust framework for authenticating social media identities.
Dr. K. Abrar Ahmedc
By leveraging blockchain, we envision a transformative
solution wherein every social media user's identity is
securely stored and cryptographically sealed, rendering it
impervious to manipulation or fabrication [2]. This novel
approach not only bolsters the integrity of user identities but
also erects formidable barriers against the proliferation of
fake profiles.
Central to this vision are smart contracts—self-executing
agreements encoded on the blockchain—that serve as the
cornerstone of automated identity verification [4]. These
intelligent contracts are designed to enforce predefined rules
and parameters, swiftly discerning the authenticity of user
identities with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.
In essence, the proposed blockchain-powered system heralds
a new era of online trust and accountability, akin to
furnishing each user with a digital passport that is virtually
incorruptible [5]. By fortifying the foundations of social
media with blockchain's immutable architecture and smart
contract automation, we aspire to foster a safer and more
trustworthy online environment for all stakeholders.
In the pursuit of mitigating the perils of fake social media
profiles, this endeavor represents not merely a technological
innovation but a societal imperative—a beacon of hope
illuminating the path towards a more secure and authentic
digital realm.
Literature survey
Literature Survey
Title 1: Using Machine Learning to Identify False Identities
Bots vs. Humans
Authors: Van Der Walt, E. and Eloff, J
This research explores the application of engineered features
and machine learning models to detect fake human accounts
on social media platforms (SMPs). By analyzing attributes
such as friend-to-followers ratio, the study aims to mitigate
malicious activities perpetrated by individuals concealing
their identities behind false personas. While enhancing
online social spaces' security and integrity, ethical
considerations regarding user privacy may emerge due to
data analysis for identifying suspicious behavior.
Title 2: Bot detection using deep neural networks
Authors: Ferrara and Kudugunta.S

Introducing a deep neural network architecture, this paper
leverages contextual LSTM models incorporating content
and metadata to identify bots at the tweet level. Achieving
high classification accuracy, the approach surpasses previous
methods, even with minimal training data. However,
challenges may arise in detecting novel bot behaviors not
captured in the training dataset, potentially impacting
adaptability to emerging tactics.
Title 3: Utilizing Dynamic CNN to Detect Fake Profiles in
Internet Social Networks
Authors: Jie, H.J., and Wanda, P.
This study presents DeepProfile, a dynamic CNN algorithm
addressing fake account issues in Online Social Networks
(OSN). Demonstrating promising results, it outperforms
traditional learning algorithms in malicious account
classification tasks. Despite its efficacy, DeepProfile may
face susceptibility to adversarial attacks, posing a challenge
to its reliability in accurately identifying fake accounts.
Title 4: Identification of Fake Accounts on Twitter Using
Hybrid SVM Algorithm
Authors: Kodati, S., Reddy, K.P., Mekala, S., Murthy, P.S.,
and Reddy
The proliferation of social networks, particularly Twitter,
underscores the need to identify malicious users. This paper
proposes a hybrid SVM algorithm tailored for Twitter,
achieving high accuracy in classifying fake and genuine
profiles. However, its effectiveness may diminish over time
as attackers develop new evasion tactics.
Title 5: Fake Profile Detection Methods in Large-Scale
Online Social Networks**
Authors: B D. Ramalingam and V. Chinnaiah
With the widespread engagement on social networks comes
the challenge of detecting fake profiles. Various algorithms
and methodologies have been developed to address this
issue, yet continuous evolution of fraudulent techniques
poses a challenge to existing detection methods,
necessitating ongoing updates and enhancements.
Title 6: Identifying Fake Accounts on Social Media
Authors: S. Khaled, N. El-Tazi, and H.M. Mokhtar
The SVM-NN algorithm proposed in this study effectively
detects fake accounts on Twitter by combining support
vector machine and neural network techniques. Achieving
high accuracy, the algorithm may require significant
computational resources and expertise for implementation
due to its complexity.
EXISTING SYSTEM
In the current system, the process of detecting fake social
media profiles involves collecting data from various
platforms, extracting relevant features, and applying
supervised and unsupervised machine learning models for
analysis. Real-time monitoring flags suspicious profiles,
while continuous evaluation ensures model effectiveness.
Ethical compliance and privacy considerations are
paramount, along with collaboration with domain experts for
system deployment and maintenance. This approach taps
into the rich data sources of social media, enabling
predictive capabilities and timely anomaly detection,
ultimately enhancing security measures.
Limitations:
1. Privacy Concerns: Immutable storage of user identities
on the blockchain raises privacy concerns, as once stored,
the information cannot be altered or erased, potentially
compromising users' control over their personal data
2. Risk of Permanent Identity Theft and Fraud: Tamper-
resistant records on the blockchain pose a risk of permanent
identity theft and fraud if unauthorized access occurs, as
rectifying such incidents becomes extremely challenging due
to the immutable nature of blockchain data
.
3. Technical Complexities and Scalability: Implementing
decentralized verification processes using blockchain
technology may introduce technical complexities, such as
managing network consensus mechanisms and ensuring
sufficient scalability to handle increasing user volumes
without compromising performance.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to evolving
regulatory frameworks related to data privacy and identity
management poses a challenge, as blockchain-based systems
may need to navigate legal requirements across jurisdictions,
potentially leading to compliance issues.
5. Adoption Challenges: CEncouraging widespread
adoption of blockchain-based identity verification systems
among social media platforms and users may face resistance
due to unfamiliarity with blockchain technology, concerns
about usability, and perceived barriers to entry.
6. Reliance on External Data Sources: Depending on
external data sources, such as government-issued
identification databases for user verification, introduces
dependencies and potential points of failure, impacting the
reliability and autonomy of the system.
7. Maintenance and Upkeep: Ensuring the ongoing
maintenance and upkeep of the blockchain infrastructure,
including regular updates to address security vulnerabilities
and scalability issues, requires dedicated resources and
expertise, potentially posing challenges for long-term
sustainability.
8. False Positives and False Negatives: Like any automated
detection system, there is a risk of false positives
(incorrectly flagging legitimate users as fake) and false
negatives (failing to identify actual fake profiles), which can
undermine user trust in the system's accuracy and
effectiveness
The proposed system for detecting fake social media profiles
using blockchain application encounters several challenges,
including privacy concerns, potential identity theft risks,
scalability issues, and regulatory compliance hurdles.
Overcoming these obstacles necessitates the implementation
of robust privacy measures, scalable solutions, and
regulatory frameworks to ensure the integrity and
effectiveness of the blockchain-based approach.
2.PROPOSED SYSTEM
1.PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
The proposed system aims to address the challenge of
detecting fake social media profiles by leveraging
blockchain technology. It includes immutable identity
storage on the blockchain, a decentralized verification
process, and automation of identity verification via smart
contracts. Additionally, tamper-resistant records for user
identities will be established, enhancing security and trust
through blockchain. The system will enable efficient
detection of fake profiles while standardizing digital identity
with blockchain technology.
ARCHITECTURE DIAGRAM
3.MODULES: In our project to tackle the menace of fake
social media profiles, our project, "Detecting Fake Social
Media Profiles Using Blockchain Application," is
meticulously structured around several key components
aimed at leveraging the power of blockchain technology to
ensure the authenticity and integrity of online identities:
1. User Verification Module: At the forefront of our
system, the User Verification Module serves as the
gatekeeper for authenticating user identities. By intertwining
their social media accounts with their Aadhar numbers, this
module ensures a robust verification process. It boasts an
intuitive user interface facilitating Aadhar number input and
seamlessly integrates with the UIDAI API for the secure
transmission of OTPs. Following a stringent OTP
verification process, user details, including name and photo,
are meticulously retrieved from UIDAI upon successful
verification, thereby laying the foundation for a trustworthy
user verification mechanism.
2. Blockchain Smart Contract Module: Operating at the
heart of our solution, the Blockchain Smart Contract Module
orchestrates the secure storage and retrieval of verified user
details through the power of blockchain technology.
Leveraging Solidity in the Remix Ethereum IDE, this
module crafts smart contracts endowed with the ability to
safeguard user data with cryptographic prowess. These
contracts meticulously define functions for storing and
fetching user details, encompassing vital information such as
Aadhar numbers and hashed photos, all while maintaining an
airtight access control framework. Furthermore, this module
is adept at adapting to evolving verification processes,
ensuring the seamless integration of updated user
information.
3. Profile Authenticity Verification Module: In the pursuit
of upholding the integrity of user profiles, the Profile
Authenticity Verification Module embarks on a mission to
distinguish genuine users from impostors. By cross-
referencing social media profiles with verified Aadhar
details securely stored on the blockchain, this module acts as
the custodian of authenticity. Armed with insights gleaned
from the Blockchain Smart Contract Module, it orchestrates
a meticulous verification process, meticulously scrutinizing
profile names and other pertinent details. Through a blend of
algorithmic prowess and blockchain-backed validation, this
module stands as the vanguard against the proliferation of
fake profiles, safeguarding the sanctity of online identities.
4. Scalability and Performance Optimization Module:
Ensuring the seamless operation and optimal performance of
our system, the Scalability and Performance Optimization
Module stands as a testament to our commitment to user-
centric design. With an unwavering focus on enhancing the
user experience, this module orchestrates a symphony of
updates to the user interface, driven by real-time user
verification statuses and blockchain data. Through seamless
integration with the Profile Authenticity Verification
Module, it heralds the arrival of user-friendly options for
viewing verification statuses and initiating re-verification
processes. By meticulously synchronizing blockchain data
an unparalleled user experience, characterized by reliability,
efficiency, and trustworthiness.
METHODOLOGY
Data Collection and Preprocessing: In the initial phase of
the project, the team will focus on collecting relevant data
from various social media platforms, including user profiles,
activity logs, and any other pertinent information. This data
will then undergo preprocessing to ensure cleanliness and
extract necessary features for subsequent analysis.
Preprocessing steps may involve tasks such as data cleaning,
normalization, and feature extraction, aimed at preparing the
data for further processing and analysis.
Blockchain Integration: The project will involve
integrating blockchain technology to establish a secure and
immutable storage system for user identities. This
integration will be executed through the development of
smart contracts using languages like Solidity, which will
manage the verification and storage of user identities on the
blockchain. These smart contracts will be designed with
robust access control mechanisms to restrict interaction to
authorized entities only, ensuring the integrity and security
of the stored data.
User Verification Module: A crucial aspect of the project
involves implementing a user verification module to
authenticate the identity of users. This module will facilitate
the linking of users' social media accounts with unique
identifiers such as Aadhar numbers. Integration with UIDAI
API will enable Aadhar verification and authentication
processes. Upon successful verification, the module will
retrieve relevant user details from UIDAI, including name,
photo, etc., to establish a verified identity within the system.
Blockchain Smart Contract Module: To ensure seamless
interaction with the blockchain, the team will develop smart
contracts responsible for handling the storage and retrieval
of verified user details. These contracts will be coded to
securely manage user data on the blockchain, with
provisions for updating user details and verification status as
necessary. Implementation of access control mechanisms
within these contracts will safeguard against unauthorized
access, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of stored
information.
Profile Authenticity Verification Module:A critical
component of the system will be the profile authenticity
verification module, tasked with verifying the authenticity of
user profiles against stored blockchain data. Leveraging data
retrieved from the Blockchain Smart Contract Module, this
module will employ algorithms to compare social media
profile details with stored blockchain data, thereby
determining the authenticity of user identities. This
verification process will be seamlessly integrated into user
login and profile update workflows to ensure real-time
authentication.
Machine Learning Models Integration: Complementing
the blockchain-based verification system, machine learning
models will be integrated to enhance the detection of fake
profiles. These models will leverage advanced techniques
such as feature engineering, deep learning, and SVM
algorithms to identify patterns indicative of fake profiles.
Trained models will be deployed for real-time monitoring
and flagging of suspicious profiles, thereby bolstering the
system's ability to detect and mitigate fraudulent activities.
Scalability and Performance Optimization Module:
Ensuring scalability and optimal performance of the system
is imperative for handling a large volume of user verification
requests and blockchain transactions. To achieve this, the
team will implement various optimization techniques,
including caching mechanisms, load balancing, and parallel
processing. Continuous monitoring and optimization efforts
will be conducted to maintain system efficiency and
responsiveness, thereby ensuring smooth operation even
under high loads.
Ethical Considerations: Throughout the project lifecycle,
ethical considerations will be paramount. The team will
prioritize user privacy by implementing robust data
protection measures and obtaining explicit consent for
identity verification processes. Compliance with ethical
guidelines and regulations pertaining to user data privacy
and security will be ensured at all stages of development.
Regular audits and reviews will be conducted to assess the
system's impact on user privacy and mitigate any potential
risks or concerns.
EXPRIMENTAL SETUP
Step 1: In the Profile Edit Profile Button is Added
Step 2: In the Edit Profile - Authentication Button is Added Step 5: UIDAI Aadhaar Data is being Validated

Step 6: Profile Name and Aadhaar Name is being validated

in Blockchain

Step 3: User Name and Aadhaar Number is Entered

Step 4: OTP is Validated Step 7: After Validation Tick for Verified and Wrong Mark
fake profile
 Networks.52, Article ID 102465 in Journal of Information Security
Conclusion and Applications. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jisa.2020.102465

In conclusion, the project "Detecting Fake Social Media 4. Identification of Fake Accounts on Twitter Using Hybrid
Profiles Using Blockchain Application" addresses a critical SVM Algorithm, Kodati, S., Reddy, K.P., Mekala, S., Murthy,
P.S., and Reddy, P.C.S., 2021.Article No. 01046 of E3 S Web
issue prevalent in today's online landscape – the proliferation of Conferences, page 309.
of fake social media profiles. Leveraging the power of https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202130901046
blockchain technology, the project aims to establish a robust
and secure system for verifying user identities, thus
mitigating risks associated with scams and identity theft. By 5. Fake Profile Detection Methods in Large-Scale Online
storing user identities in an immutable manner on the Social Networks: A Complete Study, D. Ramalingam and V.
blockchain and automating identity verification through Chinnaiah, 2018.165–177 in Computers & Electrical
smart contracts, the project enhances the security and Engineering, vol. 65.
trustworthiness of online social spaces. Additionally, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compeleceng.2017.05.020
integration with machine learning models further strengthens
the system's capability to detect and mitigate malicious 6. Identifying Fake Accounts on Social Media, S. Khaled, N.
activities perpetrated by individuals hiding behind false El-Tazi, and H.M. Mokhtar, 2018. Big Data 2018 IEEE
identities. Through rigorous testing and adherence to ethical International Conference, Seattle, 10–13 December 2018, 3672–
3681. https://doi.org/10.1109/BigData.2018.8621913
considerations, the project ensures reliability and user
privacy. Overall, the implementation of this blockchain-
7. Fake Profile Detection on Social Networking Websites: A
based solution contributes towards making social media Complete Study, Roy, P.K. and Chahar, S. 2020. pp. 271-285 of
platforms safer and more trustworthy for users worldwide. IEEE Transactions on Artificial Intelligence.
https://doi.org/10.1109/TAI.2021.3064901

Future work

Future work for the project "Detecting Fake Social Media

Profiles Using Blockchain Application" involves several key
areas of development. Firstly, there's a need for continual
refinement of machine learning algorithms for profile
authenticity verification, exploring advanced deep learning
techniques to improve accuracy and robustness. Secondly,
addressing ethical considerations around user privacy and
data protection is paramount, necessitating the
implementation of privacy-preserving techniques and
compliance with regulations. Additionally, enhancing the
scalability and performance of the blockchain-based system
is essential, requiring research into novel consensus
mechanisms and architectures. Moreover, integrating
additional verification mechanisms, such as multi-factor
authentication and biometric authentication, would
strengthen security. Finally, ongoing collaboration with
stakeholders and domain experts is crucial for refining the
system based on real-world feedback and requirements,
ensuring alignment with industry standards and best
practices. By focusing on these areas, the project can evolve
to create a safer and more trustworthy online environment.

References
1. Using Machine Learning to Identify False Identities: Bots
vs. Humans. Van Der Walt, E. and Eloff, J. 2018.6540–6549 in
IEEE Access.

2. Ferrara and Kudugunta, S. (2018) Bot detection using

deep neural networks. 312–322 in Information Sciences, 467.

3. Jie, H.J., and Wanda, P. (2020) DeepProfile: Utilizing

Dynamic CNN to Detect Fake Profiles in Internet Social