The Dawn of the Disinformation Era

Power and Disinformation

Disinformation is a powerful tool, and its damaging influence can only be wielded with power. It's a tool used by both authoritarian regimes and democracies to shape public perception. While the practice of spreading false information is not new, it has professionalized and grown exponentially at national and international levels over the past few decades.

The Birth of Disinformation

Disinformation, or misleading information intentionally produced and distributed to mislead public opinion or harm a target group, has its roots in Soviet Russia. The term is a translation of the Russian word дезинформация (dezinformatsiya). On January 11, 1923, the Politburo of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union established a Department of Disinformation to mislead adversaries about the USSR's true intentions. This marked the beginning of disinformation as a tactic of Soviet political warfare, known as "active measures," which included falsification, subversion, and media manipulation.

The Cold War and the Rise of Disinformation

During the Cold War, disinformation was used extensively by intelligence agencies. The term "disinformation of the masses" became increasingly popular in the 1960s and widespread in the 1980s. The CIA, created in July 1947, was at the forefront of U.S. counter-propaganda and disinformation efforts during the Cold War. The advent of the two nuclear powers, the United States and the Soviet Union, in a climate of extreme tension, fear, and uncertainty, led to the use of more sophisticated and effective methods of subversion, including disinformation.

China's Use of Disinformation

In China, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) uses disinformation techniques such as deception, lies, and rewriting history, tactics learned from the Soviet Union in the 1950s. The CCP's disinformation arsenal is sophisticated and aims to manipulate public opinion, interfere in foreign politics, influence elections, discredit opponents, and conceal its own intentions and priorities.

Disinformation as Military Doctrine

Disinformation has evolved into a fundamental tactic in the military doctrine of powerful countries in the post-Soviet era and the advent of the information society. The European Union and NATO have had to establish special units to process and debunk mass-produced false information due to the severity of Russian disinformation.

Methods and Processes of Disinformation

Disinformation is spread through four main methods: selective censorship, manipulation of search indexes, hacking and dissemination of fraudulently obtained data, and amplification of disinformation through excessive sharing. Disinformation activities involve creating fabricated characters or websites, developing or amplifying conspiracy theories, astroturfing, exploiting alternative social media platforms, amplifying information gaps, manipulating unsuspecting protagonists, and disseminating targeted content.

Challenges and Solutions in the Fight Against Disinformation

The fight against disinformation requires more than shutting down social media accounts, public denunciations, or technical containment of false information. It's also insufficient to rely solely on fact-checking or media education. A more effective approach would be to address the political and economic operating conditions of the structures that facilitate the spread of disinformation, such as large technology companies, state actors, the media, and other information systems. It's also crucial to prioritize educating the younger generation about disinformation.

Conclusion

As we delve deeper into the era of disinformation, it's clear that the stakes are high and the risks are enormous. The erosion of public trust in institutions and the media is a significant concern. With the rise of new technologies and the increasing foolishness of ruling elites, the future of disinformation seems bright, but the consequences could be dire. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6 pm.