Astroturfing is a stain on the usefulness and legacy of the internet, and in case you’re uncertain I do not mean the surface of a sports field or any artificial grass alternative.

The astroturfing I’m referring to here is a much more insidious and dangerous one: sometimes called greenturfing, it refers to the sponsored faking of grass roots campaigns; paid-for lobbying that gives the illusion of being legitimate or stemming from actual grass roots. The intention is to oppose or discredit a law, company or person...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.