Israeli contractor BlackCore trained Angolan officials in online influence operations
An Israeli influence-for-hire company trained Angolan government officials to run online influence operations, including by creating fake social media personas and media outlets, researchers found.
An Israeli influence-for-hire company appears to have trained Angolan government officials to run online influence operations, including creating fake social media personas and producing content designed to promote the government, according to new research.
The company, BlackCore, described itself online as “an elite influence, cyber, and technology firm built for the modern era of information warfare.” Documents obtained by researchers at the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab show BlackCore initially advertised the Angola project as an intensive four-week course covering storytelling, copywriting, traffic management and social media operations. It ultimately lasted 14 weeks and involved both training and practical operations, a final report showed.
Participants produced more than 40 pieces of content, while trainers evaluated at least 24 publications. The program also included Facebook and Instagram advertising and a TikTok campaign.
Source: https://therecord.media/angola-israel-influence-operations-blackcore
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