Political parties globally spend millions to manipulate public opinion online, says report
Researchers say 48 countries, including the UK, were found to use third-party companies to manage propaganda campaigns in 2020. Picture: Tim Goode/PA
Private companies are increasingly being hired by governments and political parties to manipulate public opinion through social media, according to new research.
The Oxford Internet Institute (OII) – part of the University of Oxford – found evidence of 48 countries, including the UK, paying third-party firms to manage propaganda campaigns in 2020, almost double the number uncovered in the previous year.
