Ricu was modelled on the Information Research Department (IRD), a clandestine Cold War propaganda programme run by the Home Office from 1948 until it was shut down in 1977.
[2] Counter-terrorism officials at the Home Office became aware of the work of the IRD after reading Frances Stonor Saunders' Cold War history book, Who Paid the Piper?
The aim of Ricu’s work is to bring about "attitudinal and behavioural change" among young British Muslims as part of a counter-radicalisation programme.
Help for Syria is a Ricu programme which aims to "influence conversations among young British Muslims" and reduce the desire to travel to the region.
Piers Robinson described this as an example of black propaganda "whereby greater persuasiveness is sought by disguising the source of a message which, if known, may damage its credibility".