Act.IL
Developer(s) | Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya |
---|---|
Initial release | June 2017 |
Platform | iOS, Android, web browser |
Available in | 11 languages[1] |
Type | social networking service |
Website | https://app.act-il.com/ |
Act.IL is a social networking service used by supporters of Israel to oppose online "anti-Israel content" such as the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement (BDS). Its activities have been referred to as "an online propaganda campaign."[2][3]
Act.IL directs its users to "missions" to like, comment on, and share pro-Israel material on social media. It also asks users to flag, report, and respond to criticism of Israel. Users are guided on how to respond, which might entail writing a reply using the provided talking points, or sharing or upvoting an allied comment. The app also provides users with ready-made memes promoting Israel's perspective for them to share. By completing missions users earn points, unlock badges, and have their scores displayed on leaderboards.[4]
Act.IL is a joint project of the private Israeli university IDC Herzliya and the US-based Israeli-American Council.[4] The Maccabee Task Force, one of Sheldon Adelson's foundations, is a major funder of Act.IL.[2] The organization behind Act.IL is staffed by former intelligence officers and has a collegial relationship with the Israeli Intelligence Community. It has a close relationship with Israel's Ministry of Strategic Affairs which combats the BDS movement which it views as a threat.[5]
See also[]
References[]
- ^ "Act.IL". App Store. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
- ^ a b Josh Nathan-Kazis (November 30, 2017). "Shadowy Israeli App Turns American Jews Into Foot Soldiers In Online War". The Forward. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
...a new Israeli government-linked crowdsourced online propaganda campaign
- ^ Noa Amouyal (June 4, 2017). "Combating BDS with a Push of the Button". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
Act.IL app creates a virtual situation room of pro-Israel experts.
- ^ a b Lark, Daniel (August 10, 2020). "Call of Duty". Jewish Currents. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
- ^ Kaplan Sommer, Allison (9 January 2018). "Israeli-sponsored App Tries to Manipulate Google in Fight Against BDS". Haaretz.
External links[]
- Mobile social software
- Non-governmental organizations involved in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict
- Propaganda in Israel
- Internet manipulation and propaganda
- 2017 software