Fusion center ‘accidentally’ releases ‘remote mind control’ files

America's national security and intelligence apparatus is so massive, yet compartmentalized, that it often appears the U.S. government doesn't know what information it actually has in its possession, or what to do with it. This was dramatically demonstrated last week with the seemingly accidental release of documents on "remote mind control" in response to an … Continue reading Fusion center ‘accidentally’ releases ‘remote mind control’ files

Parkland conspiracy theories raise legitimate questions

In the two weeks since reports first emerged of 17 students killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, much controversy has erupted over issues that are often brought up in the wake of such incidents -- namely gun control and the 2nd Amendment. Yet other issues unrelated to firearm laws have also … Continue reading Parkland conspiracy theories raise legitimate questions

Army looks to further integrate psy-ops with electronic warfare

The term "information operations," interpreted broadly, could cover anything from old-school psychological warfare like the kind of leaflet bombing schemes that have gone on since the First World War, to blocking internet access or faking the origin of a cyber attack. Recognizing this, U.S. Army planners hope to further integrate all aspects of information operations … Continue reading Army looks to further integrate psy-ops with electronic warfare

Military using fake internet to train trolls

A new social media simulation program gives the U.S. military the capability to train its information operators for a wide range of cyber deception and propaganda operations without going on the real internet. The tool, called the Social Media Replication Toolkit System (SMRTS) and developed by the San Diego-based Cubic Corporation, "harvests and remixes real … Continue reading Military using fake internet to train trolls

U.S. should test propaganda before using it, psy-ops commander says

The Pentagon's propaganda activities -- what it now euphemistically refers to as "military information support operations" (MISO) -- have a long history of both using trickery and deception to provide incredible tactical advantages in some cases, and failing spectacularly in others. "When employed correctly Military Information Support Operations (MISO--formerly PSYOP [psychological operations]) as a force … Continue reading U.S. should test propaganda before using it, psy-ops commander says

Truth, lies and Reality Winner

The day after NBC News aired an exclusive interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and just days before former FBI Director James Comey's highly anticipated testimony on his investigation into potential Trump administration collusion with Russia, another sensational storyline related to Russian meddling in the U.S. election emerged June 5 -- this one threatening to … Continue reading Truth, lies and Reality Winner

Facebook releases ‘information operations’ report, update on govt. data requests

"I think the idea that fake news on Facebook ... influenced the election in any way is a pretty crazy idea," CEO Mark Zuckerberg said back in November, following Donald Trump's poll-defying win. A new report from the company, however, titled "Information Operations and Facebook," shows just how far the social media giant's position has … Continue reading Facebook releases ‘information operations’ report, update on govt. data requests

‘Performance artist’ Alex Jones ‘playing a character,’ his lawyer says

Alex Jones, radio show host and founder of the popular fringe news site InfoWars.com, has long been a controversial figure -- for everything from his outspoken support for President Donald Trump to his promotion of outlandish conspiracy theories such as the idea that extraterrestrial reptilian shapeshifters secretly rule the world. Jones has not only stoked … Continue reading ‘Performance artist’ Alex Jones ‘playing a character,’ his lawyer says

Leaked information ops guide reveals psychological warfare tactics

The U.S. Army's "Special Forces Guide to Information Operations" comes complete with a "destruction notice" on its cover, urging the reader to get rid of it "by any method that will prevent disclosure of contents or reconstruction of the document." Dramatic disclaimers aside, though, a 2013 edition of this document surfaced this week on the … Continue reading Leaked information ops guide reveals psychological warfare tactics