Prebunked Malinformation
CISA's definition of Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation
The concept of "Prebunking Malinformation" suggests a strategy where authorities preemptively target individuals and organizations, including citizens and non-profits, who share information or express skepticism that contradicts official narratives. This approach involves labeling dissenting voices and alternative viewpoints as "malinformation," even if the information being shared is truthful but inconvenient for those in power.
- Preemptive Reputational Destruction: The term "Prebunking" is used to disguise what is essentially a form of preemptive reputational destruction. By preemptively labeling dissenting voices as purveyors of "malinformation," authorities seek to undermine their credibility and reputation before they can gain traction or challenge official narratives effectively. This tactic can have serious consequences for individuals and organizations targeted, including damage to their reputations, social ostracization, or even legal repercussions.
- Targeting Non-state Actors: The use of the term "non-state" by the U.S. Department of State Global Engagement Center implies that the targets of prebunking efforts are in some cases not affiliated with official institutions or foreign state governments. This raises concerns about the misuse of power by authorities to suppress dissent and stifle independent voices within civil society. By targeting individuals and organizations outside of government control, authorities may seek to consolidate their own authority and limit democratic participation and accountability.
- Manipulation of Truth: "Malinformation" can refer to true information that contradicts or casts doubt on official narratives. This highlights the potential for authorities to manipulate the concept of truth to serve their own interests and maintain their grip on power. By labeling inconvenient truths as "malinformation," authorities seek to control the narrative and suppress dissenting viewpoints, regardless of their accuracy or validity.
- Threat to Democracy and Freedom of Expression: The concept of prebunking non-state malinformation poses a significant threat to democracy and freedom of expression. By targeting dissenting voices and alternative viewpoints, authorities undermine the principles of open debate, critical inquiry, and pluralism essential to democratic governance. This can lead to a chilling effect on free speech, self-censorship, and a narrowing of public discourse, ultimately weakening democratic institutions and eroding trust in government.
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See Also
- Abomination Ratio
- Baby-on-Cobalt
- Break-Glass-in-case-of-Emergency People
- Church Committee
- Communication Security Complex
- Deaths of Accountability
- Digital Wet-work
- Fact Burning
- Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD)
- Follow the Silence
- Image Cheapening
- Information Asymmetry
- Kayfabrication
- Law of Gaslighting
- No-Living-Heroes Theory
- Regulated Expression
- Seberging
- Steady Hands
- The United States of Absolutely Nothing (U.S.A.N.)
- Tuskegee Principle
- Universal Institutional Betrayal