Broader Threat of Algorithmic Propaganda

The internet has democratized information. Or so we are told. The world's knowledge is now at everyone's fingertips. No government and no power structure can gatekeep what everyone sees and hears.

But as our lives increasingly move online, we are all discovering just how many forces are at work trying to control and manipulate the flow of information online. The information that comes our way is driven by algorithms shaped by corporations or foreign governments. And those who know how to game those algorithms now possess unprecedented control over what everyone sees on their phones and computers. Governments, political campaigns, advocacy movements all invest vast resources in shaping these environments to ensure their message dominates and opposing messages are suppressed.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the surprisingly small number of editors who have managed to take control of Wikipedia's articles related to Israel, Israeli history and Zionism, and to skew them into narrow ideological screeds that no Israelis or Jews would recognize as representing them or their story.

It's a microcosm of a much larger story about the vulnerability of this new information environment in which we all swim to such manipulation.

Wikipedia is a critical reference for hundreds of millions of people. It is often counted among the five most visited websites in the world. But its real influence is far larger: it's a favored result in any Google search and a favorite source for AIs when they answer our questions. So it matters that a tiny group of no more than 40 editors, through careful coordination, can completely dominate all editing and content in a major arena of contested knowledge.

Wikipedia, Reddit and our new age of algorithmic information flows are our subject today, and Ashley Rindsberg, an American writer and a senior editor at Pirate Wires, is our guide.

This episode is sponsored by Nancy and David Rosen of Guilford, Connecticut, on the fifth anniversary of the passing of Dr. Gerald Rosen of Glendale, Wisconsin. "Jerry was devoted to his family, his profession as a veterinarian of "50+ years," to his Glendale community, and to Judaism. He was a longtime member of Congregation Beth Israel and at some point in the mid-1990s, he likely crossed paths with Haviv, who was then living in Glendale as well.

Though Jerry did not live to witness the tragedy of October 7th, 2023, or the momentous joy we experienced this past October 13th—on Simchat Torah—with the return of our people from captivity, he would have deeply appreciated Haviv’s thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the history of Jews and Arabs, and of the ongoing story of Israel and our people."

"Last year, we were privileged to help host Haviv as Scholar-in-Residence at our synagogue, Temple Beth Tikvah, in Madison, Connecticut, and we were fortunate to spend three meaningful days studying with and learning from him."

"We remember with gratitude our loved ones who came before us, and we dedicate our learning to those who will continue the story. We are profoundly thankful for Haviv and for his unwavering commitment to telling the story of our people in a way we can all understand."

Thank you to the Rosens for their sponsorships and this beautiful dedication.

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Musical intro by Adam Ben Amitai.