A private social network, created by a former Monsanto director, reveals the tactics of the pro-chemical lobby. (ABC News: Lindsay Dunbar ) The Bonus

Former Monsanto exec's invite-only social network reveals the dark tactics of the pro-chemical lobby

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2024-11-19 04:30:04

A private social network, created by a former Monsanto director, reveals the tactics of the pro-chemical lobby. (ABC News: Lindsay Dunbar )

The Bonus Eventus social network doesn't come up in a regular internet search because its creators have blocked Google from accessing it.

The website, which was launched in 2014, is the brainchild of former Monsanto director of corporate communications Jay Byrne, and provides a media-monitoring service for chemical company executives and chemical lobby groups.

Investigative newsroom Lighthouse Reports obtained and shared documents with the ABC and international media partners which reveal that Bonus Eventus — which in Latin means "good outcome" — has for many years been compiling "dirt files" on journalists and activists who have been deemed by it to be opponents of agrochemical and genetically modified organism (GMO) industries.

This includes personal information on academics, scientists, journalists and lawyers who have at some point been critical of the chemical industry or raised questions about the safety of agrochemical products.