Sock puppet analysis and detection via Wikipedia edit behaviors

Abstract

This paper seeks to address the identification of sock puppet groups as contrasted with legitimate groups of uncoordinated, separate individuals. We attempt to find distinguishing features for sock puppet groups based on time and type of edits. We primarily focus on time interval overlaps, group graph construction, and attempting to find alliances within groups. Overall, a number of differentiating factors emerge, some of which are very strong, and some of which are only of moderate utility.