#132 Mike Benz - Inside the Censorship Industrial Complex
In this Shawn Ryan Show episode, guest Mike Benz examines the expansion of online censorship driven by U.S. government agencies and private tech platforms. He suggests this rising censorship apparatus emerged to suppress populist movements perceived as threats to the foreign policy establishment.
Benz outlines the tactics employed, including government funding, algorithmic curation, and empowered "trusted flaggers." He argues that censorship efforts, originally focused on combating extremism, have expanded worldwide to undermine undesirable political voices and discourses. The episode explores concerns about the chilling effects on free speech as well as signs of growing resistance through legal challenges and Congressional oversight.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Sep 19, 2024 episode of the Shawn Ryan Show
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
The Rise of Online Censorship
Government-Driven Censorship Has Grown Rapidly
According to Mike Benz, U.S. government agencies have been developing a "sprawling network" of censorship capabilities over the past decade, working closely with private tech companies and civil society groups. What began as NATO's censorship framework in Europe rapidly expanded globally through funding from agencies like the Pentagon, State Department, and DHS. Benz describes how these agencies now employ a coordinated "whole of society" approach to suppress online speech deemed undesirable.
Censorship Emerged to Combat "Populism"
Benz suggests the censorship industry arose in response to populist movements like Brexit and Trump's election, which threatened the foreign policy establishment's preferred international order. AI tools previously used against ISIS pivoted to target Russian propaganda and populist voices in the U.S. and Europe, which were increasingly stigmatized as threats.
Tactics Used by the "Censorship Industry"
- Government funding and backdoor pressure compel tech platforms to censor content
- Agencies funnel money to civil society groups to help coordinate censorship efforts
- Algorithmic curation, blacklisting, ad revenue cuts limit reach of disfavored voices
- "Trusted flaggers" empowered to identify speech for removal
Global Expansion of Internet Control
Benz argues the censorship apparatus is being exported globally to undermine populist leaders challenging U.S. interests. He cites examples of meddling in Brazil's election and concerns over China potentially gaining influence over online discourse in countries adopting its internet infrastructure.
Free Speech Impacts and Resistance
Critics claim this censorship has a chilling effect, suppressing legitimate political speech and public debates. However, there are signs of growing pushback through public awareness, legal challenges, and oversight efforts in Congress. Still, the censorship industry remains entrenched and seeks further global expansion.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The development of censorship capabilities may be seen as a necessary response to the spread of misinformation and harmful propaganda that can undermine democratic processes.
- Tech platforms may be compelled to censor content not solely due to government pressure but also in response to user complaints, legal obligations, and their own community standards.
- AI tools targeting Russian propaganda and populist voices could be part of efforts to protect the integrity of information rather than suppress legitimate political discourse.
- Funding civil society groups could be aimed at supporting digital literacy and critical thinking skills among the public, rather than coordinating censorship.
- Algorithmic curation and other moderation tools might be necessary to maintain a safe and respectful online environment, ensuring that platforms are not used for illegal activities or to spread hate speech.
- "Trusted flaggers" could be part of a community-led approach to content moderation, allowing for more nuanced and culturally sensitive decisions compared to automated systems.
- The global expansion of internet control might be framed as sharing best practices for digital governance and not necessarily as a tool to undermine populist leaders.
- The impact on free speech could be balanced with the need to protect individuals from online harassment, threats, and the spread of false information that can lead to real-world harm.
- Resistance to censorship, while important for maintaining freedom of expression, must also consider the responsibilities of platforms and users in preventing the spread of harmful content.
- The growth of the censorship industry might be driven by the need to adapt to the evolving challenges of the digital age, including cybersecurity threats and the global nature of information warfare.
Actionables
- You can diversify your information sources to mitigate the impact of algorithmic curation. Start by identifying independent media outlets and journalists who cover a wide range of perspectives, especially those that might be underrepresented in mainstream channels. Create a custom news feed using an RSS aggregator to ensure you receive a balanced flow of information without the influence of platform-specific algorithms.
- Develop a habit of critical thinking to better understand the nuances of free speech debates. Whenever you encounter a news story or social media post about censorship or free speech, take a moment to analyze the situation from multiple angles. Ask yourself questions like "What are the potential biases involved?" or "How might different stakeholders be affected?" This practice can help you form a more informed opinion on the subject.
- Support transparency in content moderation by advocating for clear policies from tech platforms. You can do this by participating in public comment periods when platforms propose changes to their content policies or by reaching out directly to express your views. Encourage platforms to provide detailed reports on their moderation activities, including the criteria used for content removal and the number of appeals processed.
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
The history and evolution of government-driven online censorship
This article explores the creation and expansion of what Mike Benz terms the "censorship industry," a system that brings together government agencies, private companies, and civil society groups to regulate online speech.
Government agencies have developed a sprawling "censorship industry" over the past decade to target online speech
NATO's development of a censorship framework in Central and Eastern Europe around 2014 marked the beginning of this trend. After the overthrow of the Ukrainian government in 2014, partly due to a $5 billion investment from the US into Ukrainian civil society, the United States recognized the need for a censorship mechanism at the technological level. The US State Department established the Global Engagement Center, the first formal censorship subdivision, which initially targeted pro-ISIS content online.
Mike Benz describes how a "sprawling network" evolved that included funds from the Pentagon, NATO, the State Department, DHS, the National Science Foundation, and USAID to form this industry. This network involves domestic government agencies and has expanded into a complex system that coordinates counter-misinformation efforts across sectors.
Government actions reminiscent of those taken by agencies like the CIA and the FBI to infiltrate student movements during the Vietnam War parallel the modern efforts of agencies interlinking with civil society and the private sector to achieve censorship objectives. Hence, what began as a structure established in Europe gradually extended its reach globally.
The censorship industry combines efforts from government agencies with private tech companies, civil society groups, and media outlets
The US government employs a "whole of society framework" to combat online misinformation, bringing together agencies, private sector companies, universities, NGOs, and media institutions to censor narratives as needed. This collaborative effort allows for a widespread ability to suppress speech across multiple platforms using both official and unofficial channels.
The censorship industry emerged in response to the rise of populism and the threat it posed to the foreign policy establishment's "rules-based international order"
Populism and its perceived threat to the international order concerned the US government, prompting developments of AI censorship tools and network analysis capabilities to combat "misinformation" and "disinformation." This was a direct response to the geopolitical shifts observed with Brexit and the election of Donald Trump in 2016.
Subsequently, the censorship methods previously applied to ISIS were re-directed at Russian propaganda and populist figures in Europe, with populism becoming stigmatized akin to communism in earlier decades. Right-wing populism, in particular, was seen as a significant threat to the established order.
The Brazilian elections serve as an example of US-backed censorship, where agencies like the State Department, USAID, and the National Endowment for Democracy took part in the censorship process. Agencies used AI to map narrative networks and suppress content that op ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The history and evolution of government-driven online censorship
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The term "censorship industry" may be perceived as pejorative and could oversimplify the complex nature of content moderation and the legitimate need to address online threats such as terrorism, hate speech, and disinformation.
- The establishment of the Global Engagement Center and similar initiatives could be seen as efforts to protect democratic discourse and national security rather than purely censorship.
- Collaboration between government agencies and private companies can be part of a broader strategy to ensure a safe digital environment, rather than an attempt to suppress free speech.
- The rise of populism may not be the sole or even primary driver of the development of online regulatory mechanisms; other factors such as technological advancements and the evolving nature of online threats also play significant roles.
- The use of AI tools and network analysis capabilities could be aimed at preserving the integrity of information rather than suppressing dissenting voices.
- The redirection of methods used against ISIS towards other targets could be part of adapting strategies to new threats rather than an indication of equating populism with terrorism.
- The involvement of US-backed entities in foreign elections, like Brazil's, could be part of international support for democratic processes rather than outright censorship.
- The Atlantic Council and similar think tanks often engage in research and policy development, which can contribute to informed ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your digital literacy by learning how to identify potential censorship in online content. Start by familiarizing yourself with the terms of service and community guidelines of the platforms you use most often. Notice when content is removed or when a warning label is applied, and research the reasons behind these actions. This will help you understand the patterns and policies that may indicate censorship.
- Develop a habit of diversifying your information sources to avoid echo chambers that may be influenced by censorship. Make a conscious effort to read news and opinions from a wide range of perspectives, including international outlets and independent media. This practice can provide a more balanced view and help you detect biases or gaps in information that could be the result of censorship efforts.
- Engage in constructive ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
The mechanisms and tactics used by the "censorship industry"
The "censorship industry" allegedly uses various strategies and mechanisms to suppress certain online speech and control the information landscape. Government agencies seem to be at the heart of these efforts, utilizing their influence on tech companies and other entities.
Government agencies use funding, partnerships, and backdoor channels to pressure tech platforms to censor content
Mike Benz and others discuss how U.S. agencies, principally intended to operate internationally, use "knife" tactics and a "boomerang" approach to influence domestic affairs. They do so by pressuring foreign countries to exert control over U.S. platforms. These agencies include the State Department, CIA, USAID, and the Pentagon.
Agencies funnel money to civil society groups, universities, and media outlets to help coordinate censorship efforts. Following the 2016 election, there was a push to change the news industry's economics and enforce tech platforms' responsibility for misinformation.
Tech companies are financially and politically dependent on government agencies, giving the agencies leverage to compel censorship
Tech companies have shown compliance with government-driven efforts to censor content due to their financial and political dependencies. Figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey did not resist censorship directives pressured by the government.
The European Union Digital Services Act, which NATO is thought to influence heavily, is suggested as another tool pressuring social media platforms to follow censorship policies.
Agencies like the State Department, USAID, and National Endowment for Democracy funnel money to civil society groups, universities, and media outlets to help coordinate censorship efforts
Several entities, including the State Department and USAID, are said to provide funding to a censorship "mercenary army" of NGOs. The National Democratic Institute, part of the National Endowment for Democracy network, aids in censorship activities such as mapping networks to identify censorship targets.
The State Department's Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPs) has adopted a component aimed at counteracting misinformation.
The censorship industry utilizes a range of tactics to suppress online speech, including:
The industry employs various tactics such as algorithmic curation, blacklisting, affecting advertising revenue, and content moderation to control the narrative. These measures aim to suppress alternative news sources and enforce specific viewpoints.
Algorithmic curation and content moderation to limit the reach of disfavored voices
...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The mechanisms and tactics used by the "censorship industry"
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Government agencies may argue that their involvement with tech companies is aimed at protecting national security and public safety rather than censoring legitimate speech.
- Tech companies might assert that they maintain independence in their content moderation policies and that any cooperation with government agencies is in compliance with legal obligations and not indicative of undue influence or dependency.
- Civil society groups, universities, and media outlets that receive funding from government agencies like the State Department or USAID could argue that they retain editorial independence and that funding is not contingent on promoting censorship.
- The concept of "algorithmic curation" can be defended as a necessary tool for platforms to manage the vast amount of content and to enhance user experience by prioritizing relevant and reliable information.
- The practice of blacklisting or labeling websites as "misinformation sources" could be seen as a way to guide users towards credible information and protec ...
Actionables
- You can diversify your information sources by seeking out independent media and international news outlets to get a broader perspective on current events. This helps you avoid the echo chambers that can be created by algorithmic curation and content moderation. For example, use a news aggregator app that pulls from a wide array of sources, or manually curate a list of independent journalists and international news websites to check regularly.
- Start using privacy-focused search engines and social media platforms that are known for minimal content moderation to explore different viewpoints. This allows you to see content that might be suppressed on more mainstream platforms. For instance, switch your default search engine to one that doesn't personalize results based on your browsing history, or join a social network that champions free speech and minimal censorship.
- Encourage open dialogue by starting a book club or discussion group ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
The impacts on free speech and efforts to resist this censorship
Mike Benz and others are raising concerns about the suppression of free speech online, highlighting efforts to combat what they view as widespread censorship.
The censorship industry has had a chilling effect on online discourse, resulting in the suppression of a wide range of political views and information
The conversation reveals that various narratives on critical topics like mail-in ballots, COVID-19, climate issues, and the Ukraine war have experienced censorship. While there's no explicit mention of specific suppressed public debates or criticisms of government policies, Benz and others imply that censorship under the guise of combating "disinformation" has broad and chilling effects.
US news companies and social media platforms have been entangled in this censorship, which has spread globally due to events like Brexit and the 2016 US election. The censorship measures are suggested to undermine free and democratic discourse, indirectly influencing free speech.
There are signs that the tide may be turning, with increased public awareness, congressional oversight, and legal challenges
The talk of a domestic "arrested development" within the censorship industry points to a potential turning point. Influential actions include Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, increased congressional pressure, and civil litigation, all which have raised public awareness. These moves have catalyzed a pushback against government-led censorship efforts. The establishment of oversight committees, such as the weaponization committee, and the distinction between foreign and domestic censorship practices both support free speech protections.
With Musk's acquisition of Twitter and Republicans gaining control of Congress in 2022, public hearings have exposed government pressure on tech platforms, suggesting more oversight on government-driven censorship. Additionally, with the release of the Twitter files, certain gover ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The impacts on free speech and efforts to resist this censorship
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The concerns about free speech suppression need to be balanced with the responsibility of platforms to control misinformation and harmful content.
- The term "censorship industry" may be an oversimplification of the complex interplay between content moderation, platform policies, and legal requirements.
- The suppression of certain political views might sometimes be conflated with the enforcement of community standards and misinformation policies.
- The involvement of US news companies and social media platforms in content moderation is often in response to legal and societal pressures rather than an outright intent to undermine discourse.
- Increased public awareness and oversight do not necessarily equate to a reduction in censorship if the underlying issues of misinformation and harmful content are not addressed.
- Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter and similar actions by individuals with significant resources raise questions about the concentration of power in content moderation decisions.
- Congressional pressure and public hearings may not always lead to fair or effective oversight, especially if they are influenced by partisan politics.
- The release o ...
Actionables
- You can diversify your information sources by seeking out independent media outlets and international news platforms to get a broader perspective on censorship and free speech issues. By doing this, you'll be less reliant on mainstream channels that may be subject to censorship, and you'll gain insight into how different cultures and governments handle these topics. For example, subscribe to newsletters from independent journalists or use news aggregator apps that include a variety of sources from around the world.
- Start a personal blog or use decentralized social media platforms to share your thoughts on free speech and censorship. This allows you to contribute to the discourse without the constraints of mainstream social media algorithms and policies. You might write about your observations on censorship trends or share stories that you feel are underrepresented in traditional media.
- Engage in critical thinking exercises when ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
The geopolitical and international implications of this censorship
The conversation with Mike Benz revolves around the global reach and implications of censorship practices, detailing how they are being strategically used to shape international relations and domestic politics in various countries in alignment with the United States' geopolitical interests.
The censorship industry's tactics are being exported globally to suppress populist and nationalist movements that challenge the "rules-based international order"
Mike Benz argues that the United States, the United Kingdom, and NATO, collectively referred to as "the blob," have pushed for uniform foreign policy to maintain the "rules-based international order." He explains how this has been evident in the international stakeholder meetings of the censorship ecosystems, and how tactics are being exported globally. Benz illustrates this by noting the varied approaches to censorship in Brazil and the Philippines that aim to align international censorship strategies against the rise of populism.
In Europe and the United States, there have been efforts to ban sentiments supporting populist candidates, indicating a broader use of censorship tactics to influence global political perspectives. Benz compares contemporary censorship efforts to Cold War strategies, emphasizing the U.S. State Department's history of influencing political outcomes in other countries.
He specifically mentions the 2018 Brazilian election and U.S. censorship activities targeting supporters of Bolsonaro, a populist figure. This is part of a broader effort to prevent the rise of political movements internationally that could undermine U.S. geopolitical interests. The US has suppressed right-wing populism globally, from Abe in Japan to Modi in India and Bolsonaro in Brazil, plus other European leaders, to protect their policy interests. U.S. agencies, among them the State Department, funded Brazilian institutions to develop anti-misinformation legislation and took an active role in promoting censorship.
Benz reflects on a policy of "transitional justice and stabilization" where the United States supports a political opposition in a country, and post-elections, opposition leaders are arrested, and media supporting them is banned.
There are concerns that the censorship industry's international expansion could pave the way for increased Chinese influence over global information flows
Benz discusses concerns about pushing countries like Brazil to adopt alternative internet infrastructure, such as those from China. While there is no explicit mention of the US pressuring Brazil to adopt Chinese infrastructure as an alternative to Russian gas exports to E ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The geopolitical and international implications of this censorship
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The concept of a "rules-based international order" is subjective and can be interpreted differently by various nations, suggesting that what is viewed as censorship by some may be seen as necessary regulation by others.
- The assertion that the US, UK, and NATO uniformly push for a specific foreign policy may oversimplify the complex and sometimes conflicting national interests and policies within these entities.
- Populist and nationalist movements are not homogenous, and the response to them may vary significantly between countries and contexts, rather than being part of a coordinated international strategy.
- The comparison to Cold War strategies may not fully account for the unique technological and political landscape of the modern era, which includes the internet and social media as new factors in international relations.
- The role of the US State Department and other agencies in foreign elections is a matter of public debate, and there may be alternative explanations for their involvement that do not necessarily relate to censorship.
- The idea of a policy of "transitional justice and stabilization" may have more benign interpretations, such as promoting democracy and human rights, rather than being solely about suppressing opposition.
- Concerns about Chinese influence over global information flows could be countered by pointing out that many countries voluntarily choose to engage with Chinese technology and infrastructure for economic or s ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your digital literacy by learning about the different internet infrastructures and censorship laws across the globe. Start by comparing the policies and user agreements of various social media platforms and internet service providers, noting how they may differ from country to country. This will give you a better understanding of the global information landscape and how it might affect the flow of information you receive.
- Develop a habit of cross-referencing news sources, especially when reading about international politics or populist movements. When you come across a news story, take the time to look up the same story from media outlets based in different countries or from independent journalists. This practice can help you identify potential biases or censorship influences in the reporting.
- Engage in conversations with ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
