The US military is making software that will allow it to
clandestinely manipulate social websites like Facebook and Twitter to spread
propaganda, it was reported here Friday.The Guardian reported that the 'sock
puppet' software creates fake online identities to influence internet
conversations and then spread pro-US propaganda.
A firm based in California has been awarded the contract
with US Central Command (Centcom) to develop an "online persona management
service". It will permit one US serviceman or woman to control up to 10
separate identities based across the globe.
The contract says that each fake online persona must have a
convincing background, history and other necessary details. Also, the contract
stipulates that up to 50 US-based controllers should be in a position to
operate false identities "without fear of being discovered by sophisticated
adversaries".
"The technology supports classified blogging activities
on foreign-language websites to enable Centcom to counter violent extremist and
enemy propaganda outside the US," Centcom spokesman Commander Bill Speaks
was quoted as saying.
The official said the interventions would not be in English.
The languages in which the interventions would be conducted include Arabic,
Farsi, Urdu and Pashto.
The Guardian said that after the software was ready, it
could allow US service personnel, working around the clock in one location, to
respond to emerging online conversations with any number of co-ordinated
Facebook messages, blogposts, tweets, re-tweets, chatroom posts and other
interventions.
Each controller will have the provision of one "virtual
private server" located in the US and others appearing to be outside the
US to give the impression the fake personas are real people located in
different parts of the world.
Another aspect is described as "traffic mixing",
which means blending the persona controllers' internet usage with the usage of
people outside Centcom in a manner that must offer "excellent cover and
powerful deniability".
The contract is believed to have been awarded as part of a
programme called Operation Earnest Voice (OEV). The programme was first
developed in Iraq as a psychological warfare weapon against the online presence
of Al Qaida supporters and others ranged against coalition forces.
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