Disinformation Warfare, Part Two - America | Investigation
Apr 30, 2024
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Former Executive Director of the US Disinformation Governance Board, Nina Jankowicz, discusses the impact of Russian disinformation on American politics, the mastery of disinformation tactics by a Russian troll farm, and the influence of misinformation on the 2016 US election, including controversies surrounding fake news and Russian interference.
Internal information systems in the West face challenges due to disinformation, leading to self-inflicted harm.
Russia uses tactics like cyberattacks and fake news to sow chaos and division in various nations.
Deep dives
Disinformation Warfare in the West
The rise of disinformation within Western information environments poses significant challenges, with the deterioration of internal information systems leading to self-inflicted harm. Russia, once seen as the main disinformation threat, has now been overshadowed by internal issues in the West. The spread of altered political messages, such as the Les Mis flash mob criticizing President Trump, highlights how Americans have become vulnerable to information manipulation.
Impact of Russian Disinformation Strategies
Russian disinformation strategies have infiltrated various nations, deploying methods like cyberattacks, social media manipulation, and the promotion of division and fake news. From Ukraine to the US, Russia's influence has sown seeds of chaos and undermined democratic norms. By exploiting grievances and amplifying existing divisions, Russia has effectively disrupted political landscapes and incited conflict.
Russian Interference in US Elections
The influence of Russia in the 2016 and 2020 US elections showcased sophisticated disinformation tactics that targeted vulnerabilities in American society. Through the creation of divisive digital content, amplification of fringe groups, and spreading false narratives, Russia aimed to sow widespread distrust and polarization among the American populace. The impact of Russian interference posed significant challenges to American democracy and the legitimacy of electoral processes.
Challenges in Addressing Disinformation
Efforts to combat disinformation and regulate social media platforms have faced significant obstacles in the US. Despite initiatives like the Honest Ads Act to promote transparency in political advertising, the political landscape has hindered legislative progress. The influence of disinformation, fueled by financial incentives and technological advancements like AI-generated content, continues to pose significant threats to democracy and societal stability.
Just how influential is the 'white noise' of information, and disinformation, emanating from Russia?
In this second and final episode on the phenomenon of modern disinformation, hear from author and former Executive Director of the US Disinformation Governance Board: Nina Jankowicz. She shines a light on how small acts of manipulation, made on the other side of the world, can pit fellow Americans against themselves...
From SPYSCAPE, the HQ of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Ashley Clivery. Music by Nick Ryan.