Disinformation

The rise of the internet and online social networks has altered the scope and scale at which people access, consume, and communicate information. But the same technologies that have democratized access to information have also enabled malicious actors who seek to undermine our democratic values and processes. Disinformation is false or misleading information spread with the intention to deceive. It’s distinct from misinformation, which is the unintentional spread of false information. When left unchecked, disinformation has the potential to sow confusion in public dialogue, exacerbate political polarization, and promote distrust in our political systems and democratic institutions.

Content

Blog Post

Sep 3, 2020

What world post COVID-19?: A conversation with Mr. John Raidt

By Peter Engelke, Anca Agachi

Mr. John Raidt, security and public policy expert and practitioner, discusses political dysfunction in the US and the need for democratic renewal in light of the pandemic.

China Civil Society
Belarus State Media Interference

Article

Sep 2, 2020

State media English-language coverage of Belarus propagates claims of Western interference

By Jacqueline Malaret

Pro-Kremlin outlets unsuccessfully push narrative that ongoing protests are yet another “color revolution” supported by the West.

Belarus Disinformation
AlertaVenezuela email banner

#AlertaVenezuela

Sep 2, 2020

#AlertaVenezuela: September 01, 2020

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

Twitter users greeted an announcement of a pardon for the Maduro regime’s political opponents with skepticism on August 31, 2020. An analysis of over 60,000 posts made up to 7:30 p.m. (Caracas time) on August 31 showed that the most retweeted posts were critical of the move, which was regarded as illegitimate and insufficient.

Disinformation Venezuela
Pro-Kremlin Media Belarus

Article

Sep 1, 2020

Pro-Kremlin media misrepresent Belarusian opposition’s policy platform

By Roman Osadchuk

An “anti-Russian” national security reform agenda that pro-Kremlin media linked to the opposition was never part of the opposition’s official platform.

Belarus Disinformation
Pro-Lukashenka Telegram

Article

Sep 1, 2020

Pro-Lukashenka Telegram channels amplify disinformation

By Nika Aleksejeva

Telegram channels deploy anti-protester narratives to win back public support for Lukashenka.

Belarus Disinformation

BelarusAlert

Aug 30, 2020

The infowar behind the Belarus revolution

By Franak Viačorka

Belarusians have managed to outmaneuver the heavy-handed efforts of dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka to silence the protest movement, but now they must also overcome a Kremlin-run infowar.

Belarus Democratic Transitions

In the News

Aug 28, 2020

Crisis innovation through data trusts: Dr. David Bray

By Atlantic Council

Major global crises like COVID-19 have proven how understanding data quickly and effectively will be essential to our survival; and, to meet that necessity, artificial intelligence will be key. However, without intentional choices to put people at the center of how we collect and manage data, artificial intelligence could spell the end of open societies, replaced instead with surveillance states or surveillance capitalism. “If companies or countries want to succeed in the next decade, we’ve got to figure out a way to do data with people, not to people,” Dr. Bray explained.

Cybersecurity Digital Policy
gtc phases of the moon at night

GeoTech Cues

Aug 27, 2020

Making sense of sensemaking: What it is and what it means for pandemic research

By Richard J. Cordes

We are often blind to our incredible, expansive, awe-inspiring ability to make sense of our environment—until we no longer can. R.J. Cordes dives into sensemaking and its role in pandemic research.

Disinformation Internet
AlertaVenezuela email banner

#AlertaVenezuela

Aug 26, 2020

#AlertaVenezuela: August 25, 2020

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

On August 20, 2020, Google suspended three YouTube channels belonging to Maduro regime-funded media outlet VTV and the Gmail account associated with them. The three channels had amassed over 408,100 subscribers and posted almost 69,000 videos by the time they were suspended. The same day, Google also suspended two YouTube channels for Cuban TV programs, but they were available again by August 21.

Disinformation Venezuela
Belarus military trucks on road

Article

Aug 25, 2020

Tracking military movements inside and outside Belarus

By Lukas Andriukaitis

Columns of Belarusian military equipment have been recorded heading toward Baltic states as Belarus witnesses peaceful protests throughout the country.

Belarus Disinformation

Experts