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Detect fake GitHub stars using CMU StarScout research. Chrome extension + Claude Code plugin.

9 starsJavaScript

See if the GitHub stars are real or fake

by mercurialsolo·Apr 20, 2026·2 points·0 comments

AI Analysis

●●SolidDark HorseBig Brain

CMU research backing fake star detection — novel application of academic work.

Strengths
  • Based on peer-reviewed CMU StarScout research identifying 6 million fake stars across 18k repos.
  • Open methodology prevents arms race — detection signals are transparent and auditable.
  • Inline trust badges appear automatically when browsing GitHub repos with 10+ stars.
Weaknesses
  • Zero stars and forks — untested in production, no community validation yet.
  • Niche problem — most developers don't actively worry about star manipulation.
Target Audience

Developers evaluating open-source dependencies and investors vetting startups

Similar To

StarScout · FakeSpot

Post Description

Read the top trending post on Github and decided to hack up this one - it's an OSS project based on the CMU Star Scout. Ideas open - please submit issues for improvement.

Star, Fork, Submit PR

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