The recent investigation conducted by the Guardian newspaper has unveiled the involvement of a technology entrepreneur based in Florida in a pro-Israel disinformation network aimed at shaping public opinion on the Gaza conflict. Daniel Linden, known for his co-authorship of a guidebook for OnlyFans users, has been implicated as a prominent figure behind the “Shirion Collective,” an organization responsible for harassing pro-Palestinian activists and offering financial rewards for the public exposure of online identities.
Supported by public records and open-source materials, the Guardian’s investigation corroborates information provided by the White Rose Society, an Australian anti-fascist research collective. The collective’s disinformation efforts target the US, UK, and Australia.
Linden is reportedly accountable for establishing crowdfunding initiatives for Shirion and actively managing the network’s social media accounts, including a Telegram channel with 885 members. While his residence is indicated in Gainesville, Florida, he has also been associated with locations in Durango, Colorado, and Medellin, Colombia in recent times.
Despite numerous attempts to reach out to Linden for comment via various communication channels, including email, phone, and direct messaging, the Guardian received no response. This evasiveness has only compounded the suspicions surrounding Shirion’s activities.
The organization has faced criticism from the US congress and has generated widespread media attention due to its efforts to suppress criticisms of Israel’s actions in Gaza. For instance, in 2024, Shirion organized fundraisers to display footage of a Hamas attack on Israel near university campuses in the US, sparking condemnation from figures such as Representative Ilhan Omar.
Furthermore, Shirion’s practice of offering monetary rewards for identifying individuals involved in pro-Palestinian protests, whom they label as anti-Semites, has drawn significant backlash. The group has also been known to publicly revel in the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza, including journalists and children, which is profoundly disturbing and insensitive.
The implications of this investigation are deeply concerning, highlighting the extent of disinformation campaigns and the misuse of technology to manipulate public opinion on complex geopolitical issues. It underscores the importance of critical thinking and thorough fact-checking in a media landscape where misinformation and propaganda abound.
In conclusion, the impact of disinformation on public discourse cannot be underestimated, and it is our collective responsibility to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of such tactics. The revelations brought to light by the Guardian’s investigation serve as a stark reminder of the need for integrity and accountability in the digital age.