Disinformation has evolved. We've moved beyond isolated false claims to a "Fantasy-Industrial Complex" – a loosely coordinated ecosystem that floods the zone with distrust, distraction & anti-democratic sentiment. The goal isn't to convince – it's to confuse.
a publication from the European Union: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC144603
#disinformation #influence #democracy #information #safety #sovereignty #EU
The report examines the evolving impact of digital technologies on European democracy. In an era of a global struggle to control the information space, this report offers critical insights into the fracturing of perceived realities, the rise of the ”fantasy-industrial complex,” and the systemic risks posed by the attention economy. It exposes how platforms algorithmically prioritise engagement over accuracy, reinforcing ideological echo chambers and amplifying mis- and disinformation that erode democratic resilience. The report highlights how structural incentives and foreign control of the most important players in the information space undermine information integrity, collective knowledge and civic discourse. In response, the report presents a number of recommendations from fostering alternative public spaces and crowd-sourced knowledge systems to reforming business models, restoring user agency, and advancing EU digital sovereignty through decentralised infrastructure.
Quian, A. (2024). Fediverse: decentralised and interoperable networks in times of disinformation. In Disinformation and risk society: what is at stake with the proliferation of information disorders (pp. 253-295). Fragua.
Now available in open access for the first time: https://hdl.handle.net/10347/46636
#Fediverse #Disinformation #SocialMedia #DigitalMedia #Decentralization #Interoperability
This chapter explores the Fediverse as a decentralized and interoperable network ecosystem that offers an alternative to centralized social media platforms, particularly in addressing the challenges of disinformation. The chapter examines the technical foundations of the Fediverse, its community-driven moderation models, and its potential to foster healthier information ecosystems. It traces the evolution of decentralized online social networks (DOSNs), highlighting key milestones such as the development of federation protocols like ActivityPub, which enabled cross-platform interoperability. The chapter also analyzes the "Musk Effect," detailing how Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter accelerated user migrations to Mastodon, the Fediverse’s largest platform, and sparked renewed interest among journalists and researchers. By emphasizing user autonomy, transparency, and community moderation, the Fediverse presents unique mechanisms to mitigate disinformation, reduce algorithmic amplification of harmful content, and empower local governance. However, challenges remain, including scalability, fragmentation, and content moderation complexities. The chapter concludes by advocating for further research on decentralized networks and highlighting opportunities for journalists and media organizations to leverage the Fediverse as a tool for promoting ethical, independent journalism in the digital age. The book is part of the IBERIFIER project, funded by the European Commission through the agreement CEF-TC-2020-2, with reference 2020-EU-IA-0252.
Revealed: how Russia, China and US groups are spreading lies online about London.
“Poisonous” narratives about “London in decline” have increased by between 150-200% in the last two years, while those making negative claims about migrants in the capital have increased by more than 350%, according to City Hall research.
#London #SocialMedia #Disinformation #ForeignInterference #FakeNews #Politics #UK
This is no longer #FuelProtestIreland. This has been hijacked by the regular rabble-rousers. This is now a anti-establishment campaign. #disinformation
Is rife. Protest is after negotiation.
Who is funding the fuel protest's online campaign? https://www.thebriefing.ie/who-is-funding-the-fuel-protests-online-campaign/
🚨 I posted about this a few days ago, then deleted it because I thought I was imagining things. But now again, I notice accounts on zirk.us that are not Finnish suddenly post in Finnish about current events from a pro-Russian angle.
I reported one of those accounts but nothing has been undertaken so far it seems.
Please change your passwords and report!
How to create a strong password (and remember it) https://www.howtogeek.com/195430/how-to-create-a-strong-password-and-remember-it/
cc @lexipenia
eddiebbot
Estelle Platini
Alberto Quian🏴☠️
MediaFaro Analysis
iBallesty
settima