A Secretive UK Covid-era 'spy' agency reintroduced to monitor social media activity during riots.

The National Security Online Information Team (NSOIT) was set to play a central role in addressing the violence spreading across the UK.

Originally known as the Counter Disinformation Unit (CDU), established in March 2020 to combat "false coronavirus information online," the agency has recently been renamed NSOIT, just months after MPs demanded an independent review of its actions.

Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has tasked NSOIT with monitoring online activity following the murder of three children. The agency has privileged access to social media moderators, a practice previously overseen by the CDU. Professor Carl Heneghan, Director of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and Molly Kingsley, an advocate for keeping schools open, have been vocal about related issues. MP David Davis has also called for the CDU to be shut down.

There are significant concerns regarding the suitability of the National Security Online Information Team (NSOIT) for this role, given its troubling history of monitoring lawful and accurate speech from journalists, scientists, parliamentarians, human rights advocates, and members of the public during the pandemic, when they rightly raised questions about the government’s handling of the crisis.

It is alarming to see NSOIT being deployed so soon after its contentious actions were revealed and before it has undergone the crucial independent review recommended by the culture committee. Misleadingly named and opaque Whitehall unit operating far beyond the bounds of national security. 

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EXPOSED, 77TH BRIGADE, COVERT OPERATIONS, WHISTLEBLOWER, CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT.

77 Brigade is a specialized unit within the British Army, created to tackle the complexities of contemporary warfare, particularly in the realm of information. Below is an in-depth examination of the brigade's identity, organizational structure, and operational focus:

#### Identity

Established in January 2015, 77 Brigade, commonly referred to as the **"Chindits,"** emerged from the rebranding of the Security Assistance Group as part of the Army 2020 initiative. The designation honours the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade, which was integral to the Chindits, a guerrilla warfare unit during World War II led by Orde Wingate. The brigade's insignia features a stylized lion, known as a Chinthe, symbolizing this historical connection.

#### Organizational Structure

77 Brigade operates as a hybrid unit, comprising both Regular Army members and Army Reservists. It is divided into five distinct groups, each focusing on various facets of information operations and psychological warfare. The brigade is headquartered at Denison Barracks in Hermitage, Berkshire.

#### Operational Focus
The core mission of 77 Brigade is to execute **information operations** and **psychological operations** aimed at influencing and modifying the behaviours of adversaries and hostile state entities. Their key activities encompass:

- **Information Operations**: Crafting and implementing strategies to secure an advantage within the information landscape.
- **Audience Analysis**: Conducting thorough assessments of target demographics to ensure effective operations aligned with military goals.
- **Intelligence Analysis**: Leveraging intelligence to comprehend audiences, scrutinize networks, and pinpoint strategic opportunities.
- **Non-Lethal Engagement**: Utilizing non-lethal tactics and legitimate non-military tools to sway adversaries.
- **Partnerships and Platforms**: Forming alliances and utilizing platforms to facilitate operations abroad.

The initiatives of 77 Brigade are frequently synchronized with other military efforts to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach to operations.

77 Brigade engages in extensive collaboration with various military units to improve the effectiveness of their operations. Below are some primary methods of their cooperation:

### Primary Collaboration Approaches

1. **Joint Operations**: 77 Brigade frequently takes part in joint missions alongside other branches of the British Army, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Air Force. This collaboration ensures a synchronized approach to operations, capitalizing on the unique strengths of each unit.

2. **Integrated Planning**: In the operational planning stages, 77 Brigade collaborates closely with other units to formulate comprehensive strategies. This process involves the exchange of intelligence, resources, and expertise to develop a cohesive plan.

3. **Training Exercises**: Regular joint training exercises are conducted to enhance interoperability and ensure effective collaboration during real operations. These drills replicate real-world scenarios, allowing units to practice their teamwork.

4. **Information Sharing**: Efficient information sharing is vital for coordinated operations. 77 Brigade utilizes secure communication channels to disseminate intelligence, updates, and feedback among other units.

5. **Specialist Support**: 77 Brigade offers specialized support to other units, particularly in fields such as information operations, psychological operations, and cyber warfare. This assistance can be essential for achieving mission goals.

6. **Liaison Officers**: Liaison officers from 77 Brigade are often integrated within other units to enhance communication and coordination. These officers ensure that the capabilities of 77 Brigade are effectively woven into broader military initiatives.

7. **Multinational Cooperation**: Collaboration extends beyond the UK, as 77 Brigade also partners with international allies, engaging in multinational exercises and operations to tackle global security issues.

77 Brigade employs a diverse array of specialized equipment to fulfil its distinct responsibilities in information and psychological operations. Below are some of the primary types of equipment utilised:

Key Equipment-

Communication Systems: Cutting-edge communication tools are vital for the coordination of operations and the distribution of information. This encompasses secure radios, satellite communication devices, and encrypted messaging platforms.

Cyber Tools: For executing cyber operations, 77 Brigade leverages advanced software and hardware for both defensive and offensive cyber initiatives. This includes network monitoring solutions, intrusion detection systems, and cyber forensics tools.

Media Production Equipment: High-definition cameras, video editing software, and audio recording devices are utilized to generate content for information campaigns, aiding in the creation of compelling and professional media materials.
Data Analytics Platforms: Instruments for analysing extensive data sets to gain insights into audience behaviour, assess campaign effectiveness, and collect intelligence. These platforms frequently incorporate AI and machine learning functionalities.
Psychological Operations Kits: Specialized kits containing resources for psychological operations, such as leaflets, loudspeakers, and other methods for delivering messages to targeted audiences.
Language Translation Devices: Tools that facilitate real-time translation and communication with varied audiences, ensuring that messages are accurately transmitted across different languages and cultures.
Drones and UAVs: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are employed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and occasionally for delivering information payloads to inaccessible locations.
Mobile Command Units: These units are outfitted with state-of-the-art technology to function as mobile headquarters, enabling 77 Brigade to operate efficiently in diverse environ