š§µTargeting of specific journalists and scientists appears coordinated and intentional in some instances. I can think of at least two cases where the synchronization of influencer comments, hashtags, content mills, and coverage on an outlet like Fox led to threats to life. twitter.com/oneunderscore__/status/1595046538098708480
The strategy also seems to be increasing in frequency. Here's what people need to understand about this. It is not the same as bullying or even having an online stalker. This is a systematic, tailored weapon designed to produce self-censorship.
It punishes people who dare to challenge lies, corruption, and exploitation. The danger here is that this method of censorship, pressuring people into self-censorship, may seem less dangerous than what happens in China, but it's not.
The world can see censorship in China, in Russia, and many other places. The people in those locations know the government, and pro-regime influencers lie to them. The world knows it too. With this alternate strategy, sometimes the targets don't even realize what's happening.
In the US, people who are targeted (I've reached out to several and walked them through what happens) may have little experience under public scrutiny and not understand what is happening. Often the public doesn't either.
We end up with people who are every bit as censored, with none of the costs to elite figures for doing it. There is more than one way to censor the opposition.
That's the problem. There is little difference in outcome between an American who stays silent for fear of being targeted and a Chinese person who stays silent thanks to intimidation from the government, and yet, one strategy goes largely unacknowledged and without consequence.
Recent instances where some aspect of the targeting seemed coordinated include @wiczipedia @TaylorLorenz @PeterDaszak @PeterHotez, Dr. Anythony Fauci, specific law enforcement officers and judges, and political opponents.
Also, Nick Sawyer, a doctor who fought medical disinformation.
The effect isn't speculation. We know these tactics can produce self-censorship. It's also the case that few face consequences for any part of it. assets.mofoprod.net/network/documents/Report_Inside_the_shadowy_world_of_disinformation_for_hire_in_Kenya_5._hcc.pdf
If you follow me on Mastodon, you can find the post here. infosec.exchange/@erosalie/109388181210978088
I will drop some threads from me and tweets that mention behaviors discussed in the thread. twitter.com/stevanzetti/status/1594792196468875266
If you're looking for something that explains the mechanics of targeting and to help people understand why people who understand this don't say, "just ignore it," I always recommend a piece by @3r1nG. It's well-written, clear, and has helpful graphics. medium.com/swlh/visualizing-cyber-harassment-7c4cad50bc8c
E. Rosalie @erosalie.infoepi.com
@Info_Rosalie
Public health + national security ā¢ Johns Hopkins alum ā¢ Tracking mysterious weaponized pigeons and FIMI ā¢ Most likely building a database somewhere