Darknet Diaries 65: PSYOP
32 snips
May 12, 2020 Jon Nichols, a PSYOP specialist with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, takes us deep into the world of Psychological Operations. He discusses the nuances of white, gray, and black PSYOP missions and their impact on warfare. Listeners learn about the ethical implications of manipulating public sentiment and how communication can defuse tensions. Nichols shares gripping tales of using loudspeakers and leaflets to combat IED threats in Iraq. The conversation even touches on the intersection of PSYOP and cybersecurity, raising compelling questions about digital manipulation in our everyday lives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
PSYOP Definition
- Psychological operations (PSYOP) persuade, change, and influence target audiences' behavior.
- PSYOP can be used on adversaries or friendly populations, but never the American public.
Early Tech Exposure
- Jonathan Nichols's mom was a white hat hacker who paid for grad school by hacking ISPs.
- This early exposure to technology influenced his career path.
Lincoln Group Controversy
- Jonathan Nichols worked for Lincoln Group, a contractor involved in placing pro-U.S. articles in Iraqi newspapers.
- The program faced controversy but continued under different names.