The British government funded covert campaigns across Europe via Zinc Network to shape public opinion and affect elections, Declassified UK has found The UK Foreign Office gave millions of pounds to a media contractor to secretly shape public opinion in foreign countries, Declassified UK has reported. The agency, Zinc Network, is believed to have received nearly £10 million ($13 million) to recruit influencers across Europe. Zinc is a London-based company that pays YouTubers and internet