On with Kara Swisher How the Right Launders Online Propaganda with Renée DiResta
Aug 15, 2024
Renée DiResta, a leading expert on online disinformation and author of "Invisible Rulers," discusses her recent experiences with the Stanford Internet Observatory and the political pressures affecting academic research on propaganda. She explores the evolution of online misinformation, revealing how social media and influencers manipulate narratives. Renée also highlights the challenges posed by tech companies in moderating content and the urgent need for transparency to combat the rising tide of disinformation, particularly during elections.
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SIO Targeted by Conspiracy Blog
- Renée DiResta's work at Stanford Internet Observatory (SIO) was targeted by a blog post alleging a conspiracy to silence conservatives.
- This post, amplified by right-wing media, led to congressional inquiries and lawsuits, impacting SIO's work.
Lawfare's Chilling Effect
- Lawsuits and investigations, even if baseless, create a chilling effect on research and free speech.
- The legal battles and public scrutiny can disrupt ongoing work and discourage future research.
Smearing Researchers
- Discrediting researchers is a common tactic to undermine inconvenient findings.
- This tactic, similar to McCarthyism, aims to silence critical voices by attacking their credibility.
