● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 negative
BlackCore trained Angolan officials in online influence operations, Citizen Lab reports
Key points
- BlackCore trained Angolan officials in online influence operations.
- Training included creating fake social media personas and content.
- The program lasted 14 weeks and involved practical operations.
- Operations aimed to promote "positive government campaigns."
Training in Online Influence Operations
According to research by Citizen Lab, Israeli contractor BlackCore trained Angolan government officials in online influence operations. This training involved techniques such as creating fictitious social media personas and producing content designed to promote the government's agenda.
Program Structure and Content
BlackCore, which described itself as an "elite influence, cyber, and technology firm," initially advertised a four-week course. The program ultimately extended to 14 weeks, combining both training and practical operations. Participants generated over 40 pieces of content, and trainers evaluated at least 24 publications. The curriculum also included Facebook, Instagram advertising, and a TikTok campaign.
Promoting Government Narratives
The objective of the operation was to promote what BlackCore termed "positive government campaigns," focusing on narratives that portrayed the Angolan government favorably. This approach aimed to build a positive image rather than solely attacking political opponents. A central element was a Facebook page for a fictitious media outlet, "Agita News," which published original material and linked to external articles, though both are now offline.
Broader Capabilities and Impact
BlackCore's marketing materials advertised more extensive capabilities, including providing clients with hundreds of fake personas across major social media platforms. These services encompassed flooding online platforms with coordinated messages, generating engagement from real users, and countering unwanted narratives. While assessing the direct impact on public opinion is challenging, BlackCore's final report indicated that some deceptive Facebook posts received significant engagement, with some reaching nearly 50,000 likes among an estimated six million active Facebook users in Angola.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Israeli contractor BlackCore reportedly trained Angolan government officials in online influence operations, including creating fake social media personas and promoting government narratives. This highlights the growing use of private firms for state-sponsored online manipulation, raising concerns about information integrity and democratic processes.