Shellenberger informs subcommittee: US and UK employ ‘psychological operations’ on Americans

Journalist Exposes Military Contractors’ Disinformation Tactics Against Americans

Renowned journalist Michael Shellenberger delivered a captivating ‌testimony before a House ‌Judiciary subcommittee, revealing shocking revelations about⁢ the use of disinformation tactics by military contractors from the United States and the United Kingdom. In a‌ surprising twist, Shellenberger claimed that the tactics employed and the suppression of⁢ dissenting voices were even worse ⁤than he had​ previously predicted during his earlier appearance before Congress in March. The alleged silencing included ​instances of censorship on major‌ social media platforms during the 2020 presidential election.

Unveiling the Truth: The Cyber Threat Intelligence League

During ⁢his testimony before the House Select Subcommittee on⁤ the Weaponization ‌of the Federal Government, Shellenberger dropped a bombshell. He and his colleagues had recently published a series of internal files​ from ‘The Cyber Threat Intelligence​ League,’ which exposed the collaboration between U.S. and U.K. ⁢military contractors. These contractors were⁢ not only ⁤involved in censoring information but also in utilizing sophisticated ⁢psychological operations and disinformation tactics developed abroad against the American people.

Shellenberger, who played a pivotal role​ in‍ releasing the infamous⁣ Twitter Files, further alleged that the federal government, including a department within the Department of Homeland Security, had violated the First Amendment by censoring individuals with differing political views.

The First Amendment and Government Overreach

Highlighting the significance of ⁢the First⁢ Amendment, Shellenberger emphasized that it⁢ prohibits the government from infringing upon freedom of speech. He cited a Supreme Court​ ruling that states the‍ government cannot encourage private entities to achieve what it is constitutionally forbidden to do. However, Shellenberger argued​ that there‍ is now substantial evidence proving that the government has done‍ precisely that.

One of ⁤the key pieces of evidence presented during the hearing was Twitter’s response to the January 6 riots and the subsequent ban of former President Donald Trump⁢ from‌ the platform. The Twitter Files, a collection of internal documents and communications, shed light on ⁣the decision-making process of top executives at the social media giant, ⁢revealing their efforts to suppress news stories about Hunter Biden’s laptop in 2020.

A Disturbing Abuse of Power

Shellenberger went on to expose what he described as an abuse of power that extended beyond censorship. He alleged that government officials and⁢ contractors, including the FBI, had made deliberate attempts to label certain individuals as domestic terrorism threats based on their political ‌beliefs. ​He passionately declared that ‍such actions were profoundly un-American,⁤ emphasizing that true commitment to free speech should extend to political adversaries⁢ as well.

Call to Action: ⁢Protecting Freedom of Speech

Joined by fellow journalist Matt Taibbi, Shellenberger urged Congress to ‍take immediate ⁢action. He called for a ban on government officials requesting social media platforms to remove content and advocated for the defunding and dismantling of governmental organizations involved in censorship, including the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Information Security​ Agency.

The groundbreaking Twitter Files report ‌was initially published on December‌ 2, 2022, and has since expanded to include 19 installments across various ​social media platforms. These releases,⁤ spanning from December‌ 2022 to March 2023, have ignited a fierce debate surrounding moderation policies and the alleged targeting of conservative voices through censorship.

What impact do disinformation tactics have on public opinion and the foundations of a free and informed society?

Age or participate in ‌speech ⁢restrictions based on viewpoint. Shellenberger argued that the alleged actions of military contractors, in collaboration with government agencies, directly contradict this constitutional right and constitute a ⁤troubling infringement on American democracy.

Furthermore, Shellenberger asserted that the dissemination ​of disinformation tactics against the American public demonstrates a‌ level of ​manipulation⁤ and control that is deeply concerning. These tactics, which aim to mold public opinion and suppress dissent, undermine the very ‌foundations of a free and informed society.

Implications for Democracy and National Security

The revelations presented ⁣by Shellenberger raise serious questions about the integrity⁢ of democratic processes ‌and national security. By utilizing disinformation tactics ​developed abroad, military contractors and ⁢their government collaborators undermine public trust ⁢in political institutions​ and sow discord among citizens. Moreover, the alleged silencing of dissenting voices during a​ major election erodes democratic principles and the‍ accountability of those in power.

Shellenberger ‍emphasized ​the need for transparency and​ accountability within both the military contractor industry and government​ agencies.⁣ He called for thorough investigations into the collaboration between military contractors and government entities, as well as the suppression⁣ of dissenting voices on social media​ platforms. Shellenberger argued that only ‌by exposing and addressing these disinformation tactics can the nation rebuild trust and ensure the preservation of democratic values.

The Path Forward

The exposé by Michael Shellenberger sheds light on the disconcerting tactics employed by military contractors and their alleged collaboration with government agencies. It serves as a wake-up call to both lawmakers and the American public, ​urging them to reevaluate the role of contractors and the need for‍ robust safeguards to protect constitutional rights and democratic ⁤processes.

The revelations also underscore the importance of⁣ media literacy and critical thinking skills. ​In an era of information overload and the proliferation of disinformation, individuals must remain vigilant and discerning when consuming news and engaging with social ⁣media platforms. Strengthening media literacy⁢ education and promoting digital citizenship can enable ‍individuals⁢ to navigate the ​digital landscape more effectively and resist manipulation.

Ultimately, the‌ exposure of disinformation tactics by military contractors calls for a renewed ​commitment to ⁤protecting democracy and upholding the principles enshrined in ‌the First Amendment. It is essential that ⁤the American ⁢people demand⁣ accountability, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to truth and integrity from those in power. Only through collective action can the nation ‍safeguard its democratic institutions and ensure that disinformation ​campaigns are unable to​ undermine the rights and freedoms of ‍its citizens.

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