Character of conflict has always evolved alongside technology. Surrounded by various thoughts, like what’s happening and where we are going as a human beings? Though an amalgamation of old and new concepts, used to shape for multiple purpose in which weakening of enemy morale is one factor. The digital age has changed and now leading towards rise of propaganda. More than any-other thing most conflicting and risky, controlling the narrative has become difficult than any military campaign. Old styles propaganda has been exponentially amplified by technology and hyper connectivity along with power and sophistication level have now multiplied. AI system fed data, micro-targeting techniques includes dark advertising target to influence public opinion and poison the discursive atmosphere. Attacks involving weaponized information are sometimes referred to as cognitive hacking by some thinker and scholars.
Back to 20th century when propaganda was delivered through radio broadcasts, televised speeches and print media but today it has emerged as much complicated form, digital platforms, which are nearly impossible to contain the spread of information once it goes viral. Recent global conflicts illustrates the potency of cyber propaganda. In Ukraine-Russia’s case where disinformation campaigns occurred and flooded social media platforms with false reports and sowing discord by using cyber propaganda which was used to deepen divisions. Social networks are new instrument of geo-political power that have enthroned certain recently emerged global disinformation actors and has been disrupting traditional hegemonies.
So now question rises, how is cyber propaganda weaponized? Disinformation is the key creating confusion and doubts along with deep fakes and manipulated media also blurs the lines between reality and fiction leaving the other person whom to trust upon. Disinformation is the key tool in armory of hybrid threats poses threat to multiple domains. This is by no means solely a western phenomenon and threat do not only comes from outside all the time. Various characteristics of modern disinformation are of utmost importance to ponder upon, includes digital amplification, platform exploitation, micro-targeting, polarization and narrative laundering hence presents an evolution of psychological warfare.
Conflict is under way in this information space not because of political power but due to the clash between emerging models that shapes it. Modern propagandists are eager and quiet quick in taking full advantage of all this to achieve specific end goal by utilizing tactics like database hacking, machine hacking and by altering news into fake form. Phishing attacks, data breaching, spreading sensational stories were not active in 2007, or in 2016 but gradually started injecting weaponization into it. To fully reap the benefits it is important for societies to navigate challenges by developing such policies that could protect rights and privacies.
Consequences in this regard are profound, threaten global security, erodes social cohesion and sometimes leads to destabilization of entire regions. Decentralized networks, like block chain might offer new channels for spreading propaganda that cannot be easily controlled or shut down by traditional authorities. Carefully crafted content, timelines, contextual relevance determines success of any propaganda, and it not only requires full truth but partial truth can help in winning propaganda wars. External players and channels like TikTok offers a diverse range of perceptions by using various tactics likes, voice overs, AI tools, deep fakes, phishing which are not threatening todays arena but will obfuscate future as well. These tactics will be the key in the next waves of global conflicts but it’s not about all doom and gloom. There are strategies that can help in neutralizing and identifying cyber propaganda. Technology companies should be held accountable for ensuring safety and security measure that their platforms are not a source for breeding grounds for disinformation. Not only a specific one state efforts are required but international alliance to work towards this end will be worth considering.
Indeed, such mode of information can be very destabilizing and destructive as conventional weapons only without the immediate catastrophic property damage, but unmeasurable. At this point the there are ways to tackle the unpredictable damage, because where there is a will there is way. But a point is, do we all have the will to use them? Multiple perceptions, but it varies from interests to interests, and states mindsets, which can be probably different from each-other. Despite of all the dangers, one might think from optimistic point of view while acknowledge everything either hidden or revealing. The brain in itself is own universe, none can underestimate human mind.
Additionally, US and his allies has fully utilized the battle of information meanwhile China also did by disrupting decision making process of a state by using and misusing information in this era of much revolutionized mass communication. Collectively, we need to think about outgunned and outmanned technology, where we are leading? And about the consequences, solutions must be cross cutting and carefully tailored. Much of the attention being paid, micro targeting just for instance, as a technique called and came under increased scrutiny by US and Europe. Undoubtedly, such kind of techniques can raise fundamental questions about privacy and democracy.
Multiple examples to think and talk about, Hezbollah military wing like they maintained extensive propaganda operated across various platforms, since the Israel-Palestine escalation started. Israel-Hamas conflict maybe a glimpse or preview of the fights to come. Last but not least, tech platforms must act decisively to remove such materials that fuels extremism and poses direct threat to global security. States are prioritizing their strategies and technologies to erode enemies’ superiority in conflict but forgot the reality that it will destabilize societies as well.
To mitigate the risks, efforts are required to combat the alarming concerns because consequences can be devastating. By acknowledging the dangers of digital terrorism and adopting multi-faceted approach can create more secure and stable environment for everyone. Collective work and collaboration can also ensure that modern technologies are helpful and positive in many aspects, not a weapons of destruction.