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Academics uncover massive digital influence campaign targeting Qatar
A three-year investigation by academics Marc Owen Jones and Sohan Dsouza has revealed a large-scale, paid influence operation promoting racist, Islamophobic, and anti-Qatar views. The report, titled “Manufacturing the Great Replacement,” suggests the campaign was intended to serve Israeli interests.
The operation reportedly cost more than $11 million and spanned 30 countries, including the United States, Lebanon, and various European nations. Researchers identified at least 533 million exposures of social media advertisements on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook between October 2023 and October 2026.
The investigation found that advertisement spending often aligned with national electoral calendars. For instance, activity in France occurred leading up to the June 2024 European Parliament elections, while spending in the United Kingdom ceased just before the 2024 general election was called.
Entities
Israel · Marc Owen Jones · Northwestern University · Qatar · Sohan Dsouza
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Academics Marc Owen Jones and Sohan Dsouza published a report titled “Manufacturing the Great Replacement”. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] There were at least 533 million exposures of social media advertisements promoting anti-Muslim, anti-migrant, racist, and anti-Qatar views between October 2023 and October 2026. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Evidence suggests the campaign was intended to serve Israeli interests. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The influence operation likely cost more than $11 million. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The campaign was carried out across 30 countries. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Advertisements were launched ahead of elections in some target countries. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com