Reuters special report on Iran's cyber operations to spread disinformation around the world
In a special report, Reuters investigated a Tehran-based company that quietly provides advertising fodder for at least 70 websites in various countries, from Afghanistan to Russia.
The report, published on Thursday, February 1, refers to the website "Nile Net Online," which has promised Egyptians "accurate news" from its offices in the heart of Cairo, the capital, and Tahrir Square.
This news website has a total of more than 115,000 followers on social networks Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; however, the phone number listed for contacting the website's officials is 0123456789.
Its geographical location on Facebook Maps also shows a location in the middle of the street, rather than a specific building. Residents of Tahrir Square also say they have never heard of this website before.
According to Reuters, the reason for these ambiguities is this: NileNet Online is part of an infiltration operation originating in Tehran.
According to Reuters findings, at least 70 different websites are transmitting Islamic Republic propaganda to 15 countries as part of cyber operations, and experts and journalists believe this is just the beginning of the story.
Source: Voice of America
