ISI targets Indian creators to influence digital narratives (Img: X)
New Delhi: Pakistan may be preparing a fresh push to escalate its activities in Jammu and Kashmir, according to the latest intelligence inputs. But as security forces tighten the net around terror networks, the ISI is allegedly opening another front, targeting Indian content creators for a digital influence campaign.
Security forces have inflicted significant damage on terror infrastructure in recent months. In the latest operation on Wednesday, two terrorists were killed at Majalta in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district.
The latest intelligence inputs have emerged against the backdrop of an overground worker (OWG) network being busted in the Pir Panjal region.
An Intelligence Bureau official said Pakistan has been making efforts to reactivate terror activities in the Valley and facilitate large-scale infiltration.
However, with the success rate of such attempts remaining low, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) has allegedly turned towards a digital campaign aimed at creating influence within India, the official said.
According to the official, the objective is to establish a structured network that can operate without immediately attracting the attention of security agencies.
Unemployed Indian youths with skills in digital content creation are allegedly being targeted and offered salaries ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000, the official said.
The recruits are reportedly asked to produce content on issues considered sensitive in India and circulate it across India and other parts of the world to maximise its reach.
The operation, officials said, does not involve violence or direct planning of attacks. The creators are also instructed to work individually rather than as part of a group, a method that officials believe makes the network harder to detect.
An official said the content sought by Pakistani handlers is expected to meet high professional standards.
“The content needs to look professional, and strong points must be added to back their case. Most of the time such content could look like a normal discourse against the Indian system. However, as the reach grows, the content would get more aggressive,” the official said.
Officials said the strategy differs from earlier attempts in which digital content was more likely to openly promote violence or the establishment of Sharia law. Such material is also more likely to be reported and removed from online platforms following government appeals.
“The intention is to pick issues that have created a controversy in the country and then keep amplifying the same,” the official added.
Another official said issues linked to India’s security as well as political discourse could feature prominently in the content.
Issues that had faded from public discussion months earlier could also be brought back online in an effort to reignite debate, the official added.
According to officials, the first phase involved Pakistani handlers recruiting a small number of people. These recruits were then tasked with identifying more potential creators and explaining the nature of the assignment to them.
The primary targets were reportedly people capable of producing polished digital content, particularly those with experience in vlogging. During the initial recruitment drive, advertisements were allegedly placed on social media platforms inviting applications online.
Officials said many people responded because they were unemployed and the money offered appeared attractive. The assignments themselves also did not initially appear dangerous or suspicious to those being recruited.
The content being produced may look ordinary when viewed individually, officials said. However, they raised concerns about the scale and volume at which such material could eventually be circulated.
If a large number of such posts flood social media, officials said, it could create the perception that the country is facing widespread problems and that little is progressing.
According to an official, the alleged campaign is designed as a long-term effort rather than an immediate operation.
The broader objective, the official said, is to establish and eventually influence the narrative within India by using Indian recruits to generate and distribute the content.
