“Disinformation That Kills: The Expanding Battlefield Of Digital Warfare”

Under this title CB Insights yesterday published an article and a detailed analysis of the digital disinformation warfare. It is worth reading it to understand what is currently happening. At first you may be afraid that you will now also be considered a conspiracy ideologue. But the fact that in connection with the COVID 19 pandemic, an incredible number of people began to spread conspiracy myths and to fight against the pandemic out of nowhere, may not be a coincidence, but the result of covert, professional campaigning with the aim of dividing our society and preventing or at least hindering important future projects.

The article impressively describes how disinformation is strategically planned and implemented and comes to the following conclusion. You can download it in full length here. There is also the possibility to download the underlying report.

Information warfare’s jump from traditional media sources and tactics to the online world caught many technology companies and governments off-guard. The 2016 presidential election unveiled the threat of disinformation — which has since complicated major events from Brexit to the coronavirus.

Tied to the evolution of technology, disinformation tactics will test emerging solutions and legislation, ultimately incorporating technologies like AI and quantum computing. Solutions to combat disinformation will likewise require constant improvements to stay ahead of malicious actors, effectively creating an arms race.

The public and private sectors have gained ground over the past few years, increasing public awareness, improving detection tools, and raising the costs of engaging in disinformation. But there is still much room for improvement, as deepfakes pose a rapidly evolving threat and consumption of information on social media is increasing.

Without a complete solution, fighting disinformation falls heavily on consumers. To limit the impact of false information, people must maintain a healthy level of skepticism regarding content online and take extra steps to verify it.

Online platforms are a powerful force for improving democracy by fostering connections and discourse. However, they will need to remove the weeds to protect these virtues.

The greatest defense against information warfare is arming the population with facts. Internet users who seek diverse sources of information and think critically before sharing information online will significantly reduce malicious actors’ impact.

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