Israeli contractor BlackCore trained Angolan officials in online influence operations

Citizen Lab reports that Israeli firm BlackCore ran a 14-week course for Angolan officials on running online influence campaigns, including creating fake personas and advertising on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Participants produced over 40 items, with some posts reaching up to 50,000 likes.

• Course lasted 14 weeks instead of the stated four
• Participants created over 40 items, at least 24 publications assessed
• Fake outlet Agita News ran campaign on Facebook and TikTok
• Posts reached up to 50,000 likes among Angola's 6 million Facebook users