Disinformation is Evolving with AI
December 14, 2023
Privacy Plus+
Privacy, Technology and Perspective
This week, let’s consider how disinformation has emerged as a pervasive force, capable of distorting public perception and undermining trust in factual reporting. Two recent global events – the Israel-Hamas conflict and the proliferation of pro-China narratives on YouTube – serve as examples for understanding the mechanics and consequences of disinformation in the digital age.
The Israel-Hamas Conflict
The Israel-Hamas war has highlighted how social media platforms can become battlegrounds for misinformation and disinformation. This distinction between misinformation (accidental falsehoods) and disinformation (intentional falsehoods) is crucial to understanding the different types of false information circulating during conflicts.
The destruction at the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza illustrates how quickly disinformation can spread. Initial reports from various news outlets erroneously attributed the explosion to an Israeli airstrike. This report was later corrected, but not before it had already influenced public opinion. The confusion surrounding such incidents underscores the challenge of discerning truth in a cluttered information environment. For a more comprehensive look at the implications of misinformation and disinformation in the Israel-Hamas conflict, you can read the following article published by Boston University:
https://www.bu.edu/articles/2023/israel-hamas-war-misinformation/
The Role of Authoritarian Regimes in Propagating Disinformation
According to Joan Donovan of Boston University (see article above), the online environment is not just a space of misinformation but an arena of active information warfare, where authoritarian regimes actively engage in disinformation campaigns. Such campaigns often aim to manipulate public opinion or sow discord.
Disinformation campaigns are not new phenomena, and they have been studied extensively in the past. Hannah Arendt, a prominent 20th-century philosopher and political theorist who experienced firsthand the rise of Nazism, was known for her profound insights into the nature of power, totalitarianism, and disinformation. She explained that totalitarian rule thrives when the distinction between fact and fiction becomes blurred:
The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the dedicated communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, true and false, no longer exists.
The Erosion of Truth and the Role of AI
Our ability to discern reality is compromised by disinformation. Therefore, disinformation, especially when powered by artificial intelligence (AI), poses a significant threat to the democratic fabric of society. It erodes not just knowledge but also trust in information sources, making it harder to distinguish truth from falsehood.
The New York Times has recently reported on a significant disinformation campaign waged YouTube, characterized by pro-China and anti-U.S. narratives. This campaign includes over 4,500 videos, some using AI generated avatars and voice-overs. The campaign's objective is to sway global opinion in China's favor, often presenting narratives that glorify Chinese technology and predict the U.S.'s economic downfall, while also criticizing U.S. corporations like Apple. For more, you can click on the following link to the article:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/business/media/pro-china-youtube-disinformation.html
Our Thoughts: Combating Disinformation
The use of AI technology has enabled the creation of persuasive content at scale and low cost. Combatting disinformation isn’t something technology is currently equipped to handle. Instead, it requires vigilance and involves human scrutiny of the credibility of sources and recognizing biases, even in reliable sources. Awareness and exposure of disinformation are crucial in this fight.
In an era where disinformation can sway public opinion and erode trust in democratic institutions, understanding its mechanics is essential. By examining recent events and the insights of experts, we can gain a clearer picture of the challenges posed by disinformation and the strategies needed to counteract it.
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Hosch & Morris, PLLC is a boutique law firm dedicated to data privacy and protection, cybersecurity, the Internet, and technology. Open the Future℠.