Researchers from the University of Cambridge have launched the Cambridge Online Trust and Safety Index (COTSI), a tool to track the costs of setting up fake online accounts globally. The study highlights the use of these accounts in misinformation and fraud, particularly through 'bot-armies' that mimic real users. The analysis shows that verification costs vary significantly by country, with the UK, US, and Russia being the cheapest. The rise of generative AI has exacerbated the issue, making bots more convincing. The study suggests that regulating SIM cards could help reduce the market for fake accounts.