Gordan MacMillan, who plays a senior role in Twitter’s editorial, has been exposed for working with the 77th Brigade of the British Army.

Gordon MacMillan disclosed his role in the 77th Brigade on his own LinkedIn profile, writing: “I have a strong interest in politics and international affairs and am a reserve officer in the British Army serving in 77th Brigade, which specialises in non-lethal engagement.”

The 77th Brigade uses social media platform, including Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram to propagate information, analysis data and audience research in what the head of the UK military, General Nick Carter, describes as “information warfare”.

Carter says the 77th Brigade is giving the British military “the capability to compete in the war of narratives at the tactical level”; to shape perceptions of conflict.

Mr MacMillan stated on his LinkedIn profile that he had worked at Twitter for 6 years and has been its Head of Editorial, Europe, the Middle East and Africa since July 2016.

The 77th Brigade website details tasks including “planning information activity”, “adversary analysis”, as well as “engaging with audiences in order to influence perceptions”.

“Our aim is to challenge the difficulties of modern warfare using non-lethal engagement and legitimate non-military levers as a means to adapt behaviours of the opposing forces and adversaries,” it says. “77th Brigade is an agent of change.”

Whilst both the 77th Brigade and Twitter responded by declaring their Independence from one another, the fact that someone who plays a role in an military Establishment plays such a key role in Twitter rings big alarm bells and shows light on perhaps how close corporate social media works can be used as a means of spying and propaganda warfare for governments across the world.