"Remove, Reduce, Inform" - Mike Benz On Government, Censorship, Election Tactics & Media Control | PBD Podcast | Ep. 496
Oct 28, 2024
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Mike Benz, a former State Department official and founder of Foundation for Freedom Online, exposes the deep links between U.S. agencies, big tech, and free speech. He discusses internet censorship tactics and the evolving strategies behind election manipulations. The conversation delves into how social media and military funding intersect, and raises concerns about government influence over tech. Benz also critiques geopolitical dynamics, especially in the context of Russia and Ukraine, shedding light on the complex relationships that govern global narratives.
The intertwined roles of U.S. State Department and CIA create a complex landscape for accountability and operational strategies in national interests.
Military strategies now encompass technological operations, including information control and censorship, reflecting shifting dynamics in modern warfare.
Concerns over internet censorship highlight the erosion of free speech and civil rights, particularly evident during the Trump administration's governance.
Coordinated election tactics reveal a systematic approach to undermining political rivals, raising ethical questions about electoral integrity and public perception manipulation.
Deep dives
The Overlap of Intelligence and State Operations
There is a significant overlap between U.S. State Department operations and the CIA, suggesting that diplomatic, military, and intelligence apparatus function in a congealed manner. This means that individuals may transition seamlessly between these entities, working in roles that span diplomacy and covert operations. The flexibility in job roles implies that there is often more collaboration than delineation between departments, leading to a comprehensive strategy that utilizes all forms of influence for national interests. This interconnectedness complicates the public perception of government agencies, as it blurs the lines regarding accountability and operational methods.
The Role of Special Forces in Censorship
Special forces are increasingly involved in shaping the information environment, particularly with respect to internet censorship to prepare the battlefield for military operations. Their focus on counterinsurgency has expanded to include digital domains, where influencing domestic political climates has become a vital component of military strategy. This indicates a shift in the nature of warfare, where the battlefield is not limited to physical territory, but also includes the control over information and narratives. Such involvement suggests that military strategies now encompass technological operations that target public perception and media control.
Internet Censorship as a Civil Rights Issue
The discussion around internet censorship reveals significant concerns regarding the erosion of free speech and civil rights over the past several years, particularly highlighted during the Trump administration. The rise of prominent social media censorship tools in 2016 set a precedent that raised alarms about the future of discourse and expression. The speaker attributes a personal calling to his research into this issue after observing alarming trends in social media governance and censorship tactics by platforms influenced by governmental designs. This journey evolved into a watchdog role for monitoring practices affecting free speech and transparency online.
Election Manipulation Tactics
Various tactics utilized during elections, illustrating a coordinated attack on opposing candidates, suggest a systematic approach to undermining political rivals. From defamation campaigns to leveraging the justice system, there were multiple strategies discussed that were allegedly employed to maintain favorable outcomes for the establishment. Techniques such as manipulating public perception through social media censorship emerged as critical tools in these efforts. The conversation also hinted at the potential for orchestrated street mobilization as a means of controlling narratives and outcomes during election cycles.
The Transition Integrity Project's Plans
The Transition Integrity Project (TIP) is depicted as an organization that modeled various scenarios to address potential challenges leading up to and following elections. Their simulations included plans to address what would happen if a candidate legitimately won an election but was perceived to be illegitimate. Notably, their scenarios involved means of manipulating public perception and using unconstitutional arguments to override electoral outcomes. This discourse raises ethical questions surrounding electoral integrity and the lengths to which some factions may go to maintain political control.
The Need for Control Over Telegram
The functionality of Telegram within the Ukrainian context, especially during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, illustrates how information control has significant implications for military effectiveness. Concerns were raised that, due to Telegram's massive user base in Ukraine, Russian forces could exploit the app if it was compromised. Thus, the idea emerged that a cooperative relationship with Telegram’s management may be necessary to mitigate risks posed by Russian intelligence. This situation underscores the essential role of communication platforms in modern conflicts and the intricacies of managing information warfare.
Censorship as a Political Tool
Censorship is highlighted as a tool used to stifle dissent and silence political opposition within the framework of U.S. foreign policy. The conversation implicates organizations like the Atlantic Council with ties to various intelligence leaders, suggesting a coordinated effort to influence social media platforms and police online narratives. Notably, the desire for censorship has been framed as a mechanism to protect the political establishment and ensure unchallenged power by minimizing opposing viewpoints. This raises serious implications for the future of free expression and the management of emergent media technologies.
Former State Department official Mike Benz joins Patrick Bet-David to reveal the deep ties between U.S. agencies, big tech, and free speech. Benz sheds light on government strategies from internet censorship to power plays on global resources. Prepare for eye-opening insights.
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ABOUT US:
Patrick Bet-David is the founder and CEO of Valuetainment Media. He is the author of the #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller “Your Next Five Moves” (Simon & Schuster) and a father of 2 boys and 2 girls. He currently resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
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