Two researchers have documented what they describe as one of the largest documented digital disinformation operations, involving coordinated advertising campaigns across multiple platforms and countries over a three-year period. The investigation, conducted by Marc Owen Jones of Northwestern University’s Doha campus and independent researcher Sohan Dsouza, revealed at least 533 million exposures to advertisements promoting anti-Muslim, anti-migrant, and racist messaging between October 2023 and October 2026 across roughly 30 nations.
The campaign, which reportedly cost more than $11 million, utilized major social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook to distribute its content. France accounted for approximately one-third of all advertisement placements, while the United Kingdom received the highest number of total exposures at 154 million, followed by the United States with 100 million. The researchers observed strategic timing of ad purchases that appeared coordinated with electoral calendars in target nations, including placement before the June 2024 European Parliament elections and cessation of UK advertising days before the general election was called.
The investigation found that European-focused advertisements incorporated themes from the “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, characterizing Qatar as a hidden orchestrating force behind Muslim immigration to Europe. This framing parallels antisemitic conspiracy theories that assign similar roles to other figures. The researchers also documented related campaigns promoting regime change in Iran, with advertisements on TikTok beginning days before military operations commenced.
Metadata analysis provided evidence suggesting the operation originated within Israel, including video editing performed in the Israeli time zone and use of machines configured with Hebrew language settings. The report noted the campaign remains active in countries approaching significant elections, including France and Italy. The analysis attributed the operation to Israeli interests, though it did not specify particular government entities or officials responsible for its execution.
Qatar’s government has previously been subject to Israeli-linked influence campaigns and faced accusations from Israeli political figures, most recently when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party alleged without evidence that Qatar interfered in elections held earlier this week. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry characterized such allegations as disinformation.
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