Podcasts > The Joe Rogan Experience > #2237 - Mike Benz

#2237 - Mike Benz

By Joe Rogan

In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Mike Benz explores the origins and evolution of U.S. government involvement in internet censorship and disinformation campaigns. He traces the shift from early advocacy for free online speech to intensifying censorship efforts, driven by concerns over populist narratives and geopolitical interests.

Benz sheds light on the key players and programs behind the censorship agenda, including NGOs, academia, military and intelligence agencies. He also examines the economic motivations at play, such as protecting tech companies and asserting influence over energy resources in regions like Ukraine. Benz's insights provide a perspective on the complex dynamics influencing online speech and narratives.

#2237 - Mike Benz

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#2237 - Mike Benz

1-Page Summary

The history and timeline of U.S. government involvement in internet censorship and disinformation

Origins and Early Shift from Free Speech Advocacy

According to Mike Benz, the U.S. government initially promoted free speech on the internet to combat state control of media, but shifted towards censorship efforts after the 2014 Ukraine coup and Crimea's breakaway due to concerns about the success of populist anti-U.S. narratives.

Intensified Censorship After 2016 U.S. Election

The U.S. government significantly expanded censorship infrastructure after Trump's 2016 election victory, seen as a threat to the existing global order. Agencies like DHS and NSA broadened mandates to monitor online speech under countering "disinformation." The proposed DHS Disinformation Governance Board raised alarms about unchecked government censorship.

The specific programs, agencies, and organizations driving the censorship agenda

Key Role of NGOs and Academia

U.S.-funded NGOs like National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and academic centers develop censorship strategies and technologies. They work with agencies to identify and suppress online narratives deemed threatening.

Military and Intelligence Involvement

The Pentagon, CIA, NSA and military contractors fund private firms and academia for censorship work. MITRE developed AI tools to automate removing "disinformation" from social media.

The geopolitical and economic motivations behind the censorship agenda

Energy Security and Control of Eurasia

Benz argues U.S. efforts aim to limit Russian influence over European natural gas supplies, driving censorship of pro-Russian narratives. Companies like Burisma in Ukraine with ties to U.S. interests become censorship targets.

Corporate Influence and the Revolving Door

The U.S. leverages power to protect tech firms in exchange for censorship cooperation. A revolving door exists between government and private sector roles influencing policy and profits.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The shift towards censorship could be seen as a response to the evolving nature of threats in the digital age, rather than a departure from free speech advocacy.
  • Efforts to counter disinformation may be intended to protect democratic processes and national security, rather than suppress legitimate political discourse.
  • The expansion of infrastructure to monitor online speech could be part of broader efforts to secure cyberspace against foreign and domestic threats.
  • The creation of bodies like the DHS Disinformation Governance Board may be aimed at providing oversight and accountability in the fight against disinformation.
  • NGOs and academic centers may be involved in research and development of tools to protect against the spread of harmful misinformation, rather than censorship.
  • Military and intelligence involvement in funding research could be part of their mandate to ensure national security and counter foreign propaganda.
  • The development of AI tools by organizations like MITRE could be focused on identifying and mitigating false information that could harm public discourse.
  • Efforts to limit Russian influence could be part of a strategy to ensure energy independence and security for allies, rather than censorship of specific narratives.
  • The relationship between companies with U.S. interests and censorship efforts may be coincidental or based on compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Cooperation between tech firms and the government could be part of public-private partnerships to enhance cybersecurity and information integrity.
  • The revolving door between government and the private sector could facilitate the exchange of expertise and knowledge, improving policy and innovation.

Actionables

  • You can enhance your digital literacy by learning how to identify potential disinformation online, which will help you navigate social media and news sources more critically. Start by familiarizing yourself with the common characteristics of disinformation, such as sensational headlines, lack of credible sources, or emotionally charged content. Practice by reviewing various articles and social media posts to determine their reliability, and use fact-checking websites to verify information.
  • Develop a habit of diversifying your news intake to avoid echo chambers that might be influenced by censorship or disinformation campaigns. Make a conscious effort to read from multiple news outlets with different editorial viewpoints, including international sources. This will give you a broader perspective on current events and help you spot when certain narratives are being suppressed or promoted.
  • Engage in conversations with friends and family about the importance of understanding censorship and its impact on public discourse. Without getting too technical, explain the basics of how certain narratives can be amplified or silenced and the potential motives behind these actions. Encourage critical thinking and the sharing of diverse viewpoints to foster an environment where open discussion is valued over the acceptance of a single narrative.

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#2237 - Mike Benz

The history and timeline of U.S. government involvement in internet censorship and disinformation

The U.S. government's stance on internet censorship has evolved significantly from its initial promotion of free speech to a more controlled approach, influenced by geopolitical events and internal political shifts.

The origins of U.S. government promotion of internet free speech and the shift towards censorship

The U.S. government has promoted free speech on the internet since the Cold War era to combat foreign state control of media, but this shifted in 2014 after the Ukraine conflict.

Mike Benz explains that the U.S. government's promotion of internet free speech dates back to the post-World War II era, with the establishment of organizations like the United Nations and NATO. This free speech advocacy was part of a broader effort to combat state control over media in other countries, which included CIA efforts like Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Liberty. However, the foreign policy establishment, which manages the American Empire, viewed internet censorship as part of the soft power influence game globally, involving entities like the NED censorship network, created by the CIA director.

The 2014 Ukraine coup and the subsequent breakaway of Crimea and eastern Ukraine prompted the U.S. government to view free speech on the internet as a threat, leading to the development of early censorship infrastructure.

After the U.S.-supported overthrow of the Ukrainian government in 2014, which Benz refers to as orchestrated by the U.S. and UK, the success of the coup and events like Crimea's referendum to join Russia contributed to the U.S. government's shift in perspective on internet free speech. The Pentagon started funding censorship operations in Central and Eastern Europe starting in 2014. Additionally, the U.S. government invested $5 billion into media institutions in Ukraine to maintain influence and combat disinformation.

The expansion of censorship efforts after the 2016 U.S. election

The U.S. government significantly ramped up censorship efforts after the 2016 election, viewing the rise of populism and Trump's victory as a threat to the existing global order.

The U.S. government's censorship efforts intensified following the 2016 election, as the rise of populism and the election of Donald Trump were perceived as threats to the global order. Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency expanded their mandates to monitor and censor online speech under the guise of combating "disinformation." The Global Engagement Center at the State Department, initially established to counter ISIS's influence during the Obama administration, pivoted to address various forms of populism after the election. Benz suggests that right-wing populist movements gaining power through social media posed a threat to the rules-based international order.

The election of Trump ...

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The history and timeline of U.S. government involvement in internet censorship and disinformation

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The promotion of free speech by the U.S. government during the Cold War may have been more about countering Soviet influence than a principled stance on free speech.
  • The shift towards internet censorship could be seen as a response to the changing nature of threats in the digital age, rather than a departure from a commitment to free speech.
  • The U.S. government's actions in Ukraine could be interpreted as support for democratic movements rather than a coup, and the subsequent investments might be viewed as efforts to support independent media rather than censorship.
  • The ramping up of censorship efforts after the 2016 election could be argued as necessary measures to protect the integrity of elections and counter foreign interference.
  • The view of populism and Trump's victory as threats to the global order could be challenged by those who see these events as legitimate expressions of democratic will.
  • The expansion of mandates by agencies like DHS and NSA could be justified as adapting to the modern challenges of cybersecurity and information warfare.
  • The Global Engagement Center's pivot to address forms of populism could be seen as a necessary evolution to counter propaganda and protect democratic discourse.
  • The establishment of the Disinformation Governance Board might be defended as an attempt to ...

Actionables

  • You can enhance your digital literacy to better understand the dynamics of online information. Start by familiarizing yourself with the basics of digital security, such as recognizing secure websites, understanding the importance of privacy settings, and identifying credible sources of information. This knowledge will help you navigate the internet more safely and critically, especially in light of concerns about censorship and disinformation.
  • Develop a habit of cross-referencing news from multiple sources to form your own informed opinions. When you come across a piece of news, especially one that's politically charged or seems to have implications for free speech, take the time to check it against various domestic and international news outlets. This practice can help you see beyond potential biases and censorship, giving you a more rounded view of the issues at hand.
  • Engage in conversations with ...

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#2237 - Mike Benz

The specific programs, agencies, and organizations driving the censorship agenda

Discussions reveal that various programs, agencies, and organizations are shaping the direction of censorship activities, exerting considerable influence on global policy and social media regulation.

The key role of U.S. government-funded NGOs and academic institutions in censorship

Mike Benz identifies key players involved in developing censorship technologies and strategies, emphasizing the coordinated efforts across multiple sectors.

Organizations like the National Endowment for Democracy, the Atlantic Council, and various university-based "disinformation" research centers have received substantial government funding to develop censorship technologies and strategies.

Organizations like the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the Atlantic Council, alongside academic institutions like Arizona State University, receive government funding to establish censorship practices. For instance, NED, founded in 1983 following CIA scandals, operates with a mandate to promote democracy without the direct link to the CIA. NED is involved in various media initiatives across the globe and is considered a driving force in censorship efforts.

Arizona State University's Global Security Initiative, among about 100 major universities, houses centers labeled as "disinformation studies." These centers engage in activities underpinned by large government grants. Such institutional involvement includes the NDI setting up disinformation centers in Brazilian universities and influencing legislation about misinformation.

These NGOs and academic institutions work closely with government agencies to identify and target online narratives that are seen as threats, and to pressure social media platforms to remove or suppress that content.

The stated organizations work in tandem with government agencies to pinpoint and suppress particular narratives on social media. This is executed through various programs, such as the SEPS program, spearheaded in policy by the State Department and with technical work by NED's political branches, the IRI and NDI. Together, they advocate for the suppression of information and the implementation of internet censorship, oftentimes in foreign countries.

The involvement of U.S. military and intelligence agencies in censorship efforts

Mike Benz and other speaker's commentary linked U.S. military and intelligence agencies to an expansive censorship network.

Agencies like the Pentagon, CIA, and NSA have provided significant funding and guidance to private sector firms and academic institutions engaged in censorship work, blurring the line between domestic and foreign threats.

With funding and guidance provided by agencies like the Pentagon, CIA, and NSA, there's a noted collaboration with ...

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The specific programs, agencies, and organizations driving the censorship agenda

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The activities of organizations like NED and the Atlantic Council may be aimed at promoting free speech and democratic values rather than censorship, by supporting independent media and civil society initiatives in countries with authoritarian governments.
  • Academic institutions involved in "disinformation" research may be focused on understanding the spread of false information and its impact on society, rather than developing censorship technologies.
  • Collaboration between NGOs, academic institutions, and government agencies could be part of efforts to protect national security and public safety by identifying genuine threats, rather than suppressing legitimate discourse.
  • The involvement of U.S. military and intelligence agencies in funding research and development could be part of their mandate to defend against information warfare and cyber threats from adversarial nations.
  • AI-powered tools developed by military contractors like MITRE might be intended to identify and mitigate the spread ...

Actionables

  • You can enhance your digital literacy by learning how to identify potential censorship tools and strategies used online. Start by familiarizing yourself with the basics of AI and machine learning, focusing on how these technologies can be applied to content moderation. Use free online resources or community college courses to understand the principles behind algorithms that might be used for detecting disinformation. This knowledge will help you critically assess the information you encounter on social media and discern potential biases in content filtering.
  • Develop a habit of cross-referencing news from multiple sources to mitigate the impact of narrative suppression. Whenever you come across a significant piece of news, especially if it's controversial or seems one-sided, make an effort to find reports on the same topic from various outlets with different perspectives. This practice will help you build a more rounded understanding of the issue and protect you from being influenced by a single, potentially censored narrative.
  • En ...

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#2237 - Mike Benz

The geopolitical and economic motivations behind the censorship agenda

The scope of the geopolitical and economic motivations behind the censorship agenda is intricate, with analyses suggesting that energy security, particularly in Eurasia, and corporate interests shape U.S. censorship policy.

The role of energy security and control of Eurasian resources in shaping U.S. censorship policy

The U.S. government's efforts to limit Russian influence in Europe, particularly over natural gas supplies, have been a key driver of censorship efforts targeting pro-Russian or anti-U.S. narratives.

In recent discussions, Mike Benz explains how the U.S. State Department and Intelligence Services have been concerned with Russia's energy diplomacy and its soft power in Central and Eastern Europe. This is particularly true with Europe's dependence on Russian natural gas, which could lead to shifts in political and media narratives towards pro-Russian stances. Benz discusses the U.S.'s quest to counter Russia's energy diplomacy to prevent losing influence in the region and Germany, specifically referring to pipelines like Nord Stream One. He highlights the economic challenge the U.S. faces competing with cheap Russian gas.

Benz implies that to counteract this Russian presence, the U.S. has been actively involved in undermining Russian economic and political influence in Europe, using censorship as one of its tools. This is further illustrated by the U.S.'s push for EU member states to sanction Russian gas, thereby crippling Russia’s economy. Companies like Burisma, with significant interests in Ukraine's energy sector, become part of this larger geopolitical game. The strategic importance of energy resources in Ukraine, where entities such as Burisma hold rights for the exploitation of gas, showcases the U.S.'s focus on limiting Russian influence.

Hunter Biden's involvement with Burisma, and statements about performing patriotic duties, alongside the presence of CIA-linked individuals on Burisma's board, such as Cofer Black, highlight the intersection of U.S. geopolitical goals and censorship strategies.

Companies like Burisma involved in the energy sector become targets.

The intersection of Burisma's role and the influence of external powers is explored, revealing a complex relationship between the U.S. government's censorship strategies and its geopolitical interests in the Eurasian region. Benz’s narration points to Burisma becoming a target for broader strategies to curb Russian influence over natural gas supplies and political narratives.

The interplay between corporate interests and U.S. government censorship

The U.S. government has leveraged its diplomatic and economic power to protect major tech companies, in exchange for cooperation in censoring efforts.

The relationship between U.S. diplomatic strategies and corporate interests is nuanced. Behind censorship efforts, there are examples of the U.S. government protecting the interests of tech companies. These companies, in turn, coop ...

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The geopolitical and economic motivations behind the censorship agenda

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The U.S. government's actions may be more about promoting transparency and countering misinformation rather than outright censorship.
  • Efforts to limit Russian influence could be seen as a way to support European allies and ensure their energy independence rather than a form of censorship.
  • Sanctions on Russian gas and other measures may be part of broader diplomatic strategies to address geopolitical conflicts, not solely to control narratives.
  • The involvement of U.S. individuals or entities in foreign companies like Burisma could be part of normal international business practices rather than a deliberate geopolitical strategy.
  • The relationship between tech companies and the U.S. government could be driven by ...

Actionables

  • You can enhance your media literacy by researching the origins and funding of news sources to better understand potential biases, especially regarding international politics and energy. Start by looking at the ownership structure of the media outlets you frequently visit and then cross-reference this information with their reporting on international energy issues to spot any patterns of bias.
  • Diversify your energy consumption by investing in or using alternative energy sources to reduce reliance on geopolitically sensitive energy supplies. Begin by exploring solar panel installations for your home or supporting local initiatives that promote renewable energy, which can contribute to a more balanced and less politically influenced energy landscape.
  • Engage in informed discussions with your communit ...

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