Act.IL

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Act.IL
Developer(s)Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya
Initial releaseJune 2017
PlatformiOS, Android, web browser
Available in11 languages[1]
Typesocial networking service
Websitehttps://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[]

  1. ^ "‎Act.IL". App Store. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
  2. ^ 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
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ a b Lark, Daniel (August 10, 2020). "Call of Duty". Jewish Currents. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  5. ^ Kaplan Sommer, Allison (9 January 2018). "Israeli-sponsored App Tries to Manipulate Google in Fight Against BDS". Haaretz.

External links[]

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