Désinformation : une guerre du XXIe siècle - Le dessous des cartes | ARTE

Summary

The video script delves into the contemporary warfare of narratives, particularly focusing on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the role of social media and artificial intelligence in amplifying misinformation. It discusses how a manipulated image of a Nazi flag alongside a Ukrainian flag was used to propagate the idea that Ukraine is a threat, mirroring Moscow's historical justifications for intervention. The script outlines the evolution of strategic information manipulation from the 20th century, exemplified by Nazi Germany's propaganda, to the current era where the UN categorizes disinformation into three types: disinformation, misinformation, and mal-information. It highlights state-level tactics, including the use of diplomats, state-controlled media, and the establishment of influence networks like RT and Sputnik. The narrative further explores covert state influence, such as the 'grey zone' warfare exemplified by the Ghostwriter operation. The script also touches on the digital strategies of authoritarian regimes, including the Russian RuNet law and the use of social media platforms by trolls and influence entrepreneurs like Yevgeny Prigozhin. It concludes by acknowledging the dual-edged nature of social media in democratic societies, where it can both disseminate false narratives and provide a direct line of communication for citizens and leaders alike, as demonstrated by the Ukrainian response to Russian propaganda.

Takeaways

• 📸 A manipulated photo of a Nazi flag alongside a Ukrainian flag on an official building circulated on social media to suggest Ukraine as a threat, similar to World War II narratives.
• 🎥 The photo was actually taken during the filming of a 2012 movie about a football match between Kiev players and German soldiers in 1942, highlighting the use of fake images in information warfare.
• 📡 The 20th-century saw the rise of strategic information manipulation, notably by the Nazi regime through the creation of the Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda led by Joseph Goebbels.
• 🌐 The advent of social media and artificial intelligence has amplified the power of images and their use, especially by non-democratic regimes, in shaping public opinion and narratives.
• 🔍 The United Nations categorizes misinformation into three types: disinformation (deliberate harm based on false facts), misinformation (unintentional spread of false information), and mal-information (partially true information used to harm).
• 🌍 State-sponsored influence, or 'white influence,' involves diplomats and state-controlled media outlets, which are used by authoritarian governments for information operations.
• 📰 RT (Russia Today) and Sputnik are examples of Russian state media used for influencing global narratives, with RT expanding its presence in Africa after being banned in Europe due to the Ukraine conflict.
• 🏢 Xinhua is central to China's international influence strategy, with other Chinese media required to republish its dispatches on 'sensitive' events.
• 🛡️ 'Grey state influence' refers to more discreet information warfare conducted by states, such as the Ghostwriter operation, which aimed to spread disinformation about the origins of COVID-19.
• 📈 Authoritarian regimes have been quick to adopt new technologies for propaganda and disinformation, with the Russian 'Sovereign Runet' law allowing increased control over the Russian-speaking segment of the internet.
• 🤝 Social media platforms are a key battleground for information wars, with states using trolls and influence entrepreneurs to sow discord and cast doubt, as well as to support political candidates and narratives.

Q & A

What is the significance of the photo that circulated on Russian social media at the beginning of the war?

The photo, which shows a Nazi flag alongside a Ukrainian flag on an official building, was used to spread the idea that Ukraine is a threat and that Russia, like during World War II, needs to intervene. However, the building and flags were from a 2012 film set, not a real event.

How has technology amplified the power of images in warfare?

Social media and artificial intelligence have significantly increased the reach and impact of images, particularly in the hands of non-democratic regimes, making the manipulation and distribution of information more potent.

What is the role of the United Nations in distinguishing between different types of misinformation?

The UN has categorized misinformation into three types: disinformation (deliberate harm based on false facts), misinformation (non-intentional but false information), and mal-information (partially true information used to harm).

How did the KGB and Stasi use disinformation in the 1980s?

They launched Operation INFEKTION to spread the false belief that the HIV virus was created by a U.S. Army laboratory, using a German biologist named Jakob Segal to lend credibility to the claim.

What is the 'white' state influence and how is it used?

White state influence refers to overt state actions, such as diplomats like China's Lu Shaye publicly denying human rights abuses or questioning the sovereignty of other nations. State-controlled media also play a role in these operations.

What is the role of RT and Sputnik in Russia's information strategy?

RT (formerly Russia Today) and Sputnik are state-controlled media outlets used by the Kremlin to disseminate its narratives and influence global opinion. They have been particularly active in spreading disinformation.

How does China exert its international influence through media?

China uses its state-run media agency, Xinhua, as a central part of its international influence strategy. Other Chinese media are required to republish Xinhua's dispatches on 'sensitive' events.

What is the 'grey' state influence and how does it differ from 'white' state influence?

Grey state influence is a more discreet form of information warfare conducted by a state. It includes operations like Ghostwriter, where hackers aligned with Russian interests spread disinformation to sow discord.

How has the Russian state used digital technology to control information?

Russia has implemented laws like the 'Sovereign RuNet' law to install software for analyzing data on the Russian-speaking segment of the internet, and to slow down or block access to certain platforms or media considered 'foreign agents'.

What is the impact of social media on information warfare?

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Reddit are heavily targeted by trolls and states for disinformation campaigns, using fake profiles to sow discord and doubt.

How do influence entrepreneurs like Yevgeny Prigozhin contribute to information warfare?

Influence entrepreneurs like Prigozhin create organizations like the Internet Research Agency to produce politically oriented content and comments. They have been known to support political candidates and spread disinformation on a global scale.

How have Ukrainians used social media to counteract Russian narratives?

Ukrainians have leveraged social media to challenge Russian narratives and mobilize both national and international public opinion, with regular videos from President Zelensky playing a significant role.