Author(s): Fernando VELASCO, José Ángel GONZÁLEZ
Publication name: Romanian Intelligence Studies Review
Publisher name: Mihai Viteazul National Intelligence Academy
Publication type: Journal article
Publication date: December 31, 2018
Pagination:
Issue/ Volume: 19-20/2018
DOI:
Abstract
Internet may be the most relevant development of our times, but together with
its many benefits it has brought new challenges. One of them is disinformation or the so-
called “fake news”. This challenge should be approached both from an ethical and a
technological perspective. Internet gives us access to a big amount of data but not all of
it is true or valid, neither knowing the data is the same as understanding. Citizens are
eager for information, but lies are more attractive than truths – generally considered as
overrated – and whistle-blowers and social networks seem to be the only trustworthy
sources. As a result, citizens – mainly the younger – are critically exposed to
disinformation agents that sometimes even participate in disinformation networks
organized at a State level in the battle for information; which poses a great risk for our
democracies. A great problem to tackle this is the confrontation of legal measures to
control profit-guided Social Networks and the persistence of basic principles for the EU
such as the freedom of expression. The most effective way to face disinformation not
falling under censorship must therefore be educating in critical thinking, and this means
educating citizens in Intelligence Analysis.
Key words: Disinformation, Intelligence Analysis, Critical Thinking education.
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