![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Sock_puppet_and_keyboard.jpg/640px-Sock_puppet_and_keyboard.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Sock puppet account
Online identity used for purposes of deception / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For information about sockpuppetry on Wikipedia, see Wikipedia:Sockpuppetry.
A sock puppet is a false online identity used for deceptive purposes.[1] The term originally referred to a hand puppet made from a sock. Sock puppets include online identities created to praise, defend, or support a person or organization,[2] to manipulate public opinion,[3] or to circumvent restrictions such as viewing a social media account that a user is blocked from. Sock puppets are unwelcome in many online communities and forums.
![A sock puppet with eyes in front of a computer keyboard](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Sock_puppet_and_keyboard.jpg/640px-Sock_puppet_and_keyboard.jpg)