State-sponsored Internet propaganda

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“State-Sponsored Internet[3] Propaganda” refers to the deliberate use of digital platforms by governments to manipulate public opinion, control information, and suppress opposition. This encompasses a range of tactics such as deploying troll armies, creating fake accounts, and coordinating social media[2] campaigns. Governments across Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe, and other parts of the world employ these tactics to influence domestic and international narratives. Cases include China’s 50 Cent Party, India’s BJP IT Cell, Saudi Arabia’s Twitter[4] troll army, and Russia’s disinformation[1] campaigns. These efforts are not limited to large nations, smaller countries like Vietnam and Uzbekistan also have their national cyber troops for similar purposes. This phenomenon highlights the evolving landscape of online propaganda and its impact on political and military narratives worldwide.

Terms definitions
1. disinformation. Disinformation is a complex concept with roots tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European language family. It refers to the intentional spreading of false or misleading information, often for political or social influence. This phenomenon became widespread in the 1980s and has been a subject of extensive research to understand its origins, methods, and impacts. Disinformation is often used in deception campaigns on social media and is distinct from misinformation and malinformation. It's common in political arenas, where it can confuse citizens and discourage their engagement. Disinformation has global implications, being used by governments, NGOs, and businesses worldwide. It can undermine election security and create societal divisions. Various countermeasures have been initiated by organizations like NATO and the EU to address this issue. The study of disinformation also extends to ethical considerations and its role in warfare. Despite these efforts, disinformation remains a challenging issue due to its widespread prevalence and the difficulty in assessing its true impact.
2. social media. Social media is a broad term encompassing a variety of digital tools and platforms that facilitate the sharing of information and the creation of virtual communities. Emerging from early systems like PLATO and ARPANET, it has evolved into modern platforms like Facebook and Twitter. These platforms offer unique features that differentiate them from traditional media, including the ability for users to generate content and engage in dialogic communication. They cater to over 100 million users globally and offer different forms of services, such as messaging apps and collaborative content creation platforms. The use of social media has far-reaching impacts on individuals, society, and businesses, influencing everything from marketing practices to political processes. However, it's also associated with ethical concerns, such as the spread of misinformation and potential addiction.

State-sponsored Internet propaganda is Internet manipulation and propaganda that is sponsored by a state.

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