Fake news, conspiracy theories, and lies: an information laundering model for homeland security
dc.contributor.advisor | Nieto-Gomez, Rodrigo | |
dc.contributor.advisor | Wollman, Lauren | |
dc.contributor.author | Korta, Samantha M. | |
dc.date | Mar-18 | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2018-06-01T20:09:29Z | |
dc.date.available | 2018-06-01T20:09:29Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2018-03 | |
dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10945/58322 | |
dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this research, broadly speaking, is to expose the threat that fake news poses to our national security. This thesis answers the question: Can the information laundering model, or a modified version of it, be used to explain how the internet is exploited to spread fake news, and the resulting threat to the United States? I assert that a well-crafted narrative, whether true or false, can be spread rapidly online due to the accessibility and interconnectedness of the internet ecosystem. I then articulate how these narratives can be further accelerated and disseminated when propagandists take advantage of existing processes that improve the customization, ease of access, and availability of information online. I do this by modifying the information laundering model, and then using the new model to examine the interconnectedness of search engines, blogs, social networking platforms, and media/academic outlets, and how these connections can be exploited to launder false or purposefully misleading information into public discourse. Finally, I demonstrate how this process allows adversarial nations, criminals, and malicious actors to increase public discord, undermine democracy, and threaten Americans’ physical and cognitive security. | |
dc.description.uri | http://archive.org/details/fakenewsconspira1094558322 | |
dc.publisher | Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School | |
dc.rights | Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner. | |
dc.title | Fake news, conspiracy theories, and lies: an information laundering model for homeland security | |
dc.type | Thesis | |
dc.contributor.department | National Security Affairs (NSA) | |
dc.subject.author | fake news | |
dc.subject.author | information laundering | |
dc.subject.author | hybrid warfare | |
dc.subject.author | propaganda | |
dc.description.recognition | Outstanding Thesis | |
dc.description.service | Fusion Center Deputy Director/Intelligence Supervisor, Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation | |
etd.thesisdegree.name | Master of Arts in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense) | |
etd.thesisdegree.level | Masters | |
etd.thesisdegree.discipline | Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense) | |
etd.thesisdegree.grantor | Naval Postgraduate School | |
dc.identifier.thesisid | 30511 | |
dc.description.distributionstatement | Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. |
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