#2237 - Mike Benz

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Censorship, Free Speech, and Government Influence Unveiled

  • Discussion on the evolution of internet censorship and free speech diplomacy.
  • The role of government and NGOs in promoting and controlling narratives.
  • Insights into how the U.S. government has historically influenced media and free speech.
• 00:16:53

  Censorship Tactics in Counterterrorism and Populism Post-2016 Election

  • The U.S. government established censorship mechanisms to combat ISIS narratives online.
  • Counterpopulism strategies emerged alongside counterterrorism measures after the Trump election.
  • Censorship evolved into a tool for managing domestic political narratives post-Russiagate.
• 00:34:49

  U.S. Influence in Ukraine and Media Censorship Explored

  • U.S. government funding shapes Ukraine's democratic institutions and media landscape.
  • National Endowment for Democracy acts as a CIA cutout for influence operations.
  • Censorship and disinformation strategies are critical in modern geopolitical contexts.
• 00:47:04

  Exploring CIA and USAID's Role in Global Censorship

  • USAID and CIA collaborate to influence global politics through funding and operations.
  • The manipulation of social media in Cuba aimed to incite governmental change.
  • Censorship strategies in Brazil showcase a broader pattern of U.S. influence.
• 00:58:47

  Disinformation Campaigns: The Role of Society in Countering Misinformation

  • The concept of 'whole society' is crucial in addressing disinformation challenges.
  • Censorship strategies are coordinated across government, private, and civil sectors.
  • Democracy relies on credible information spaces for healthy public discourse.
• 01:06:57

  National Science Foundation's Role in Censorship Technology Development

  • The National Science Foundation funds projects aimed at countering misinformation online.
  • Trump and Biden administrations influenced the development of AI censorship technologies.
  • AI tools are being used to identify and flag misleading claims on social media.
• 01:15:25

  Pentagon's Role in COVID-19 Misinformation and Censorship

  • Graphica, funded by the Pentagon, monitored COVID-19 misinformation online.
  • The Pentagon's psychological operations aimed to shape narratives around COVID-19 origins.
  • Entities like the Atlantic Council receive significant funding for disinformation campaigns.
• 01:24:34

  Censorship and Disinformation in the Context of NATO and Trump

  • Discussion centers on NATO's role in shaping information warfare and censorship.
  • Examines the implications of disinformation strategies during Trump's presidency.
  • Highlights the Atlantic Council's influence on internet censorship since 2014.
• 01:30:21

  Exploring Disinformation and Censorship in Modern Politics

  • The podcast discusses how disinformation campaigns target political narratives.
  • Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter is seen as a game changer for media freedom.
  • The conversation highlights the intertwining of government and media in censorship efforts.
• 01:37:58

  Disinformation and Its Influence on Democracy Explored

  • Arizona State University’s involvement in disinformation research funded by the Pentagon.
  • Discussion on John McCain’s legacy and its impact on current narratives.
  • Concerns raised about censorship and its threat to democracy and free speech.
• 01:48:06

  MITRE's Role in Countering COVID-19 Misinformation

  • MITRE Squint is a tool for reporting COVID-19 misinformation effectively.
  • The partnership between military contractors and censorship technology raises concerns about democracy.
  • Misinformation impacts public health and election integrity, necessitating swift corrective actions.
• 02:01:19

  Tech Giants Face Regulatory Challenges Amid International Diplomacy

  • Apple experiences significant financial penalties due to EU regulatory actions.
  • U.S.-EU relations impact tech companies through diplomatic negotiations and fines.
  • Media companies claim revenue losses due to big tech monopolization in advertising.
• 02:12:54

  Discussing the Intersection of Censorship, Geopolitics, and Energy Politics

  • Censorship and geopolitical strategies are deeply intertwined in today's political landscape.
  • Burisma's role in energy politics highlights the complexities of U.S. and Russian relations.
  • The need for institutional reform is critical in the face of existential threats.
• 02:29:54

  Exploring the Complexities of U.S.-Ukraine Relations and Corruption

  • The discussion highlights Hunter Biden's involvement with Burisma and U.S. foreign policy.
  • There are accusations of corruption in U.S. foreign policy for personal profit.
  • The role of prominent figures in shaping energy markets is critically examined.