Here is the youtube video. Must Absolutely watch info we never knew about
Everything You Need to Know about the Government’s Mass Censorship Campaign
The national security state is the main driver of censorship and election interference in the United States. "What I’m describing is military rule," says Mike Benz. "It’s the inversion of democracy."
Notables are not endorsements - Summaries below provided by YT transcripts and Chat GPT
00:00 - 16:15
The Erosion of Freedom: Censorship in the Digital Age
The First Amendment and Modern Censorship
The defining feature of the United States has long been its commitment to freedom of speech. Embedded within the First Amendment to the Bill of Rights, this right has been foundational to the American identity. However, in recent times, there has been a rapid erosion of this fundamental freedom. Unlike historical forms of censorship, modern censorship operates under the guise of combatting disinformation and misinformation.
Freedom Under Threat: The right to express oneself without fear of censorship or reprisal is diminishing, as expressions deemed inconvenient or contrary to those in power are labeled as disinformation.
Government Involvement: Alarmingly, these efforts are not solely driven by the private sector but are actively directed by the US government itself, funded by taxpayers.
Understanding Modern Censorship
To grasp the mechanics of modern censorship, it is essential to turn to experts like Mike Benz, Executive Director of the Foundation for Freedom Online.
Origins of Internet Freedom: Initially, the internet was championed as a tool for promoting free speech, particularly by government entities like the Pentagon and the State Department.
Military and Tech Collaboration: Collaboration between tech giants and the military, exemplified by Google's origins, was aimed at circumventing state control of media in authoritarian regimes.
Shift Towards Censorship: However, a turning point occurred around 2014, marked by a shift away from internet freedom towards censorship, particularly following geopolitical events like the Crimea annexation vote.
The Role of the Military-Industrial Complex
Of particular concern is the role played by the military-industrial complex and defense contractors in shaping the landscape of censorship.
A New Global War: As the world teeters on the brink of global conflict, censorship is poised to escalate significantly, with defense-related institutions playing a pivotal role.
Hybrid Warfare: NATO's adoption of hybrid warfare tactics underscores the militarization of censorship efforts, as controlling the media and social media landscape becomes paramount in influencing elections and public opinion.
The Threat to Democracy
At its core, modern censorship poses a direct threat to democratic values, both domestically and internationally.
Enemy Within: Institutions like NATO and the State Department have identified democracy itself as the new enemy, viewing the empowerment of citizens as a destabilizing force.
Historical Precedents: This trend harkens back to Cold War-era tactics, where the battle for hearts and minds justified covert operations and manipulation of media landscapes.
Normalization of Censorship: The normalization of censorship, fueled by narratives like Russiagate, has facilitated the transition from targeting foreign adversaries to suppressing domestic dissent.
Conclusion
The erosion of freedom of speech in the digital age represents a fundamental challenge to the principles upon which democratic societies are built. As censorship becomes increasingly institutionalized and weaponized, the need to safeguard and uphold this essential freedom becomes all the more urgent. Only through vigilance and advocacy can we hope to preserve the liberties that define us as free citizens.
16:18 - 32:36
Modern Censorship: A Threat to Democracy
Introduction
In recent years, the landscape of free speech has undergone a significant transformation, with modern censorship posing a dire threat to democratic values. This article delves into the mechanisms and implications of contemporary censorship, highlighting its origins, manifestations, and impact on democratic societies.
Origins of Modern Censorship
Internet Freedom: Initially hailed as a beacon of free expression, the internet has evolved into a battleground for information control.
Military-Industrial Collaboration: Collaboration between tech giants and the military-industrial complex laid the groundwork for modern censorship efforts.
The Shift Towards Censorship
Geopolitical Events: Events like the Crimea annexation vote in 2014 marked a turning point, prompting a shift towards domestic censorship under the guise of combating disinformation.
Rise of Social Media: The maturation of social media platforms, beginning around 2016, posed a significant challenge to traditional media outlets and triggered a crisis within military and intelligence services.
The Role of the Military-Industrial Complex
Hybrid Warfare Tactics: NATO's adoption of hybrid warfare tactics underscored the militarization of censorship efforts, with a focus on controlling the media landscape to influence elections and public opinion.
Institutionalization of Censorship: The military-industrial complex, in collaboration with government agencies and private sector entities, spearheaded the institutionalization of censorship measures.
Threats to Democratic Values
Normalization of Censorship: Censorship, once reserved for authoritarian regimes, has become normalized in democratic societies under the pretext of protecting democracy.
Erosion of Freedom: The erosion of freedom of speech represents a fundamental challenge to democratic principles, as dissenting voices are suppressed and critical discourse is stifled.
Case Studies and Examples
The Global Engagement Center: Government entities like the Global Engagement Center have been instrumental in coordinating censorship efforts, leveraging partnerships with tech companies to suppress dissenting voices.
Censorship Laws: Legislation such as Germany's NetzDG law has paved the way for automated censorship, enabling the mass deletion of online content deemed as hate speech or misinformation.
Election Interference: The 2020 election cycle saw unprecedented levels of censorship, with government agencies like the Department of Defense actively censoring information related to mail-in ballots.
Conclusion
In conclusion, modern censorship poses a grave threat to democracy, undermining the very foundations of free and open societies. As censorship becomes increasingly institutionalized and weaponized, it is imperative to safeguard the principles of free speech and protect the rights of citizens to express themselves without fear of reprisal. Only through vigilant advocacy and a steadfast commitment to democratic values can we hope to preserve the freedoms that define us as a society.
32:39 - 48:49
The Weaponization of Information: How Government Entities Influence Media and Censorship
Introduction
In recent years, there has been a concerning trend in the manipulation of information and the stifling of free speech, orchestrated by various government entities. This article delves into the intricate web of censorship, the consolidation of power, and the erosion of democratic principles under the guise of protecting national interests.
The Genesis of Government Censorship
In 2017, concerns over misinformation led to a push for centralized control, culminating in a "whole of society" effort to combat online falsehoods.
The State Department's Global Engagement Center and CIA were initially considered for this role, but limitations led to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) assuming authority.
DHS: The New Arbiter of Information
DHS, through its Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), acquired unprecedented power to combat online threats.
Misinformation was redefined as a cyber attack, justifying DHS intervention under the pretext of safeguarding democracy.
Orchestrating Mass Censorship
A coalition of institutions, including Stanford University, the University of Washington, Graphica, and the Atlantic Council, collaborated to execute mass censorship.
These organizations, with ties to the Pentagon and intelligence community, weaponized their influence to suppress dissenting voices.
Preemptive Censorship: The 2020 Election
Concerns over election integrity prompted preemptive censorship, particularly regarding mail-in ballots.
DHS, alongside tech companies, implemented policies targeting any discourse challenging the legitimacy of election processes.
The Subversion of Democracy
The censorship apparatus, under the guise of protecting democratic institutions, actually undermines the fundamental tenets of democracy.
By redefining democracy as institutional strength rather than popular will, government entities consolidate power and stifle dissent.
Conclusion: The Threat to Democracy
The weaponization of information represents a dire threat to democracy, as government entities exploit technological advancements to silence opposition and control narratives. The erosion of free speech and the consolidation of power in the hands of a select few undermine the very foundations of democratic governance. It is imperative to remain vigilant and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and free expression in the face of growing censorship and manipulation.
48:52 - 1:04:43
The Anatomy of Censorship: Unraveling the Web of Contro
Democracy Redefined
Democratic institutions are now defined by consensus-building among influential entities.
The narrative of democracy serves as a tool for regime change, often in the guise of "color revolutions".
Disagreement with established consensus is labeled an attack on democracy.
The Nexus of Power: Mainstream Media and Intelligence Agencies
Interstitial government-funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and think tanks play a crucial role.
Examples include the Aspen Institute, which collaborates with intelligence agencies for censorship efforts.
The mainstream media serves as a vehicle for intelligence agencies to undermine opponents.
The Aspen Institute: A Closer Look
The Aspen Institute, once helmed by Walter Isaacson, has ties to the National Security State.
It participated in censorship simulations and coordinated efforts to suppress the Hunter Biden laptop story.
Exposing the Network: Foundation for Freedom Online
The Foundation for Freedom Online provides in-depth reports on censorship and related issues.
Active engagement on platforms like X (referring to the platform, possibly YouTube) offers insights into ongoing developments.
The Future of Free Speech on X
X faces mounting pressure from various regulatory bodies and investigations.
Threats include state-level censorship laws and European Union regulations targeting disinformation.
Elon Musk's unique position may provide some protection, but challenges persist.
Battling Transatlantic Flank Attacks
Europe, in collaboration with entities like NATO and intelligence agencies, poses a significant threat to X.
The EU Digital Services Act represents a formidable challenge, compelling platforms to comply with censorship measures.
The fight for free speech extends beyond individual platforms, shaping the very fabric of society.
Conclusion: Upholding the Pillars of Democracy
Free speech remains a cornerstone of democracy, facing unprecedented challenges from entrenched interests.
Vigilance and activism are essential to safeguarding democratic principles against encroaching censorship.
The struggle for free speech is not confined to one platform or organization but encompasses broader societal values.
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