Israeli Firm Trains Angolan Officials in Digital Disinformation Tactics

An investigative report has revealed that BlackCore, an Israeli company that sells influence‑operation services, provided training to Angolan government officials on how to conduct online influence campaigns. The curriculum reportedly covered the creation of fictitious social‑media profiles, the launch of counterfeit news sites, and strategies for amplifying selected narratives across digital platforms.

The findings were documented by researchers who examined the training materials and communications between BlackCore and the Angolan participants. According to the analysis, the instruction emphasized techniques for masking the origin of content, coordinating bot networks, and exploiting algorithmic biases to increase the visibility of pro‑government messaging.

BlackCore is part of a growing market of private firms that offer “influence‑for‑hire” services, catering to clients ranging from political parties to state actors seeking to shape public opinion abroad. While such companies often operate in legal gray zones, their activities have drawn scrutiny for blurring the line between legitimate public‑relations work and covert propaganda.

Angola, a resource‑rich nation that has sought to diversify its economy and bolster its international image, has increasingly turned to digital outreach as part of its diplomatic toolkit. The decision to enlist external expertise reflects a broader trend among governments to outsource sophisticated online tactics rather than develop them in‑house.

Experts warn that the adoption of these methods could exacerbate misinformation challenges within Angola and beyond. By deploying fabricated personas and pseudo‑news outlets, state‑aligned actors may undermine public trust in legitimate media and make it harder for citizens to discern authentic information.

Human‑rights groups and media watchdogs have called for greater transparency around such training programs, arguing that undisclosed foreign involvement in domestic information environments can compromise democratic discourse. The Angolan government has not publicly responded to the report, and BlackCore declined to comment on its client list.

The episode adds to a mounting body of evidence that private influence firms are increasingly instrumental in shaping political narratives worldwide. As nations grapple with the implications of digital persuasion, policymakers may face pressure to establish clearer regulations governing the sale and use of online influence services.