Disinformation and Information Warfare

Disinformation and Information Warfare are central to modern competition among governments, militaries, and adversaries. Information warfare uses information and communication technology strategically to manipulate beliefs and gain advantage, often without awareness. It blurs peace and conflict lines, targeting governments, businesses, and citizens via false narratives and propaganda to influence opinion and policy.

Understanding the Tactics

Disinformation is deliberately false information spread to deceive, unlike unintentional misinformation. Tactics span social media, news outlets, and platforms to sow discord and erode trust. These include propaganda, data theft, cyberattacks, and denial-of-service attacks. Operating in cognitive and digital domains, it challenges policymakers to detect and measure impacts.

How the U.S. Responds

The U.S. counters foreign disinformation through the Department of Defense and agencies identifying false narratives on national security and democracy. Learn more about how the Pentagon fights back against foreign disinformation online. The U.S. also aids access to independent information in repressive regimes, such as helping Iranians circumvent government internet blackouts. Free communication and accurate facts underpin national security and democratic resilience.