Posted on Jan 31, 2021
Revealed: US spy operation that manipulates social media
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*This article is more than 9 years old.* (This information is even more relevant today in 2021.)
The US military is developing software that will let it secretly manipulate social media sites by using fake online personas to influence internet conversations and spread pro-American propaganda.
A Californian corporation has been awarded a contract with United States Central Command (Centcom), which oversees US armed operations in the Middle East and Central Asia, to develop what is described as an "online persona management service" that will allow one US serviceman or woman to control up to 10 separate identities based all over the world.
The project has been likened by web experts to China's attempts to control and restrict free speech on the internet. Critics are likely to complain that it will allow the US military to create a false consensus in online conversations, crowd out unwelcome opinions and smother commentaries or reports that do not correspond with its own objectives.
The discovery that the US military is developing false online personalities – known to users of social media as "sock puppets" – could also encourage other governments, private companies and non-government organisations to do the same.
The Centcom contract stipulates that each fake online persona must have a convincing background, history and supporting details, and that up to 50 US-based controllers should be able to operate false identities from their workstations "without fear of being discovered by sophisticated adversaries".
The US military is developing software that will let it secretly manipulate social media sites by using fake online personas to influence internet conversations and spread pro-American propaganda.
A Californian corporation has been awarded a contract with United States Central Command (Centcom), which oversees US armed operations in the Middle East and Central Asia, to develop what is described as an "online persona management service" that will allow one US serviceman or woman to control up to 10 separate identities based all over the world.
The project has been likened by web experts to China's attempts to control and restrict free speech on the internet. Critics are likely to complain that it will allow the US military to create a false consensus in online conversations, crowd out unwelcome opinions and smother commentaries or reports that do not correspond with its own objectives.
The discovery that the US military is developing false online personalities – known to users of social media as "sock puppets" – could also encourage other governments, private companies and non-government organisations to do the same.
The Centcom contract stipulates that each fake online persona must have a convincing background, history and supporting details, and that up to 50 US-based controllers should be able to operate false identities from their workstations "without fear of being discovered by sophisticated adversaries".
Revealed: US spy operation that manipulates social media
Posted from theguardian.comPosted in these groups: 
Social Media
Military Intelligence
Online Media
Information Technology
Software
Social Media Military Intelligence Online Media Information Technology Software
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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"likened by web experts".... okay
So what are you saying, Robert? That the U.S. should not be doing this? And if we stopped, would we find ourselves at disadvantage to the countries that are most certainly doing this?
So what are you saying, Robert? That the U.S. should not be doing this? And if we stopped, would we find ourselves at disadvantage to the countries that are most certainly doing this?
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MSgt Steve Sweeney
SSG Robert Webster - No, I just like the fact you are citing unnamed, non-specific sources... "Many people are saying..."
Interesting article. Lying... (There was massive voter fraud!), Denial... (Trump won the election!), Playing the victim (they are taking our rights/jobs/free speech...), Blame-Guilt-Shame (liberals are socialists/communists ruining America! They kneeled during the National Anthem!). Looks like you stumbled on the right-wing play book.
Interesting article. Lying... (There was massive voter fraud!), Denial... (Trump won the election!), Playing the victim (they are taking our rights/jobs/free speech...), Blame-Guilt-Shame (liberals are socialists/communists ruining America! They kneeled during the National Anthem!). Looks like you stumbled on the right-wing play book.
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SSG Robert Webster
Well Ms. Sweeney, maybe you should shut your sphincter instead of letting it spew so much filth. And thank you for proving my point.
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From the article -
He said none of the interventions would be in English, as it would be unlawful to "address US audiences" with such technology, and any English-language use of social media by Centcom was always clearly attributed. The languages in which the interventions are conducted include Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and Pashto.
He said none of the interventions would be in English, as it would be unlawful to "address US audiences" with such technology, and any English-language use of social media by Centcom was always clearly attributed. The languages in which the interventions are conducted include Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and Pashto.
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