Is this, like one reader commented, "a page right out of the KGB handbook"?
When an editor and a reporter at USA Today began investigating Pentagon propaganda efforts, the pair became targets of a deliberate online "misinformation campaign."
It is not known who perpetrated the action, but it is reminiscent of the early CIA's Operation Mockingbird, in which propaganda was strategically placed in select media outlets to influence and control events. And people.
Last week's incident took on a more modern approach: phony Facebook and Twitter accounts were created "under the names of the reporter and editor with postings denigrating their professional reputations," according to USA Today. The timing of it is highly suspicious, coinciding with "stories by Pentagon correspondent Tom Vanden Brook, who has written about the military's 'information operations' program that spent large sums on marketing campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan."
There's more to this story.
And in this story, Twitter helped this newspaper win a Pulitzer Prize. Yes, Twitter!
Vietnam exemplifies where this can go
Three popular Vietnamese bloggers have been charged with spreading anti-government propaganda. A state-run newspaper reported that the three are accused of posting 421 articles on their blogs that "distorted and opposed the State." It's what totalitarian regimes do.
FBI warns of virus shutting down your Internet access in July
The web could vanish in July for many, according to a recent alert issued by the FBI. Read all about it!
This is only a test: Cyber war gaming – China and U.S. go at each other
Is a cyber war game going on between the two countries of China and the United States? They're cooperating with each other for what purpose? To help prevent a sudden military escalation between each side? Sounds counter-intuitive, doesn't it?
According to a report published in The Guardian, both countries have been engaging in war games "amid rising anger in Washington over the scale and audacity of Beijing-coordinated cyber attacks on Western governments and big business."
More about the hypothetical war games at The Blaze.
China's censors tested by microbloggers who keep one step ahead of state media, because China's censorship can never defeat the Internet.
F-Commerce.
Ever hear of F-Commerce? Event marketing. It's the kind of shopping experience that works on Facebook.
Interested in Internet markets?
Here's a look at Europe's Internet market, with Russia being the largest in the region.
Meanwhile, a nervous Kremlin is trying to purge Russia's Internet of 'Western' influences.
And after making millions in either E-commerce or F-commerce, here's what you do with all that cabbage! How about Mama Bear Family Conference for family-oriented start-ups? Here are some moms with ideas that have investors lined up.
Here's how the small country of Estonia stepped out of USSR's shadow to become an Internet giant.
Commercial pilot texts, nearly crashing jet on landing
I hope it was an important text. Texting in the cockpit during the landing process is never a good thing. Just ask this captain and his co-pilot.
"Please turn off all portable electronic devices" message will now apply to pilots as well as passengers. The Internet in the cockpit, or your driver's seat. Never a good idea.
Bits & Bytes
- Here's some web advice for those newly canned from the workplace. Part two: Internet tips for folks with walking papers in hand.
- Here's some newly unemployed folks. Maybe the advice above will help them!
- The rumor that won't die. Truth or gossip? You decide.
- Is Apple taking its iPad and making it smaller?
- Facebook IPO date: Rumor has it set for May 17.
The religion of Kopimism comes to America
It started in Sweden, and now it's come to America. Kopimists – a group of people who believe everything on the Internet should be open and accessible to everyone. "Kopimi" is a play on words signifying "copy me." Weird? According to an article in U.S. News, this religion's dogma "centers on the belief that people should be free to copy and distribute all information – regardless of any copyright or trademarks." Find it on Facebook.
On a somewhat saner note, Ask A Cyber Lawyer, a website run by an attorney, addresses developing issues in the area of Internet law for both legal professionals and the public. Published by Illinois attorney James Skyles, Ask a Cyber Lawyer is a project of Skyles Law Group, LLC.
Nielsen identifies most active social group on the Internet
U.S. Hispanics top the chart in mobile social activity, according to this report by Nielsen. And the struggle to control the Internet is the subject of this series that begins with finding out why the U.S. spends millions to help activists communicate.
CEOs and blogging – good idea?
Should CEOs blog? Some say no. Here's why.
Backlash!
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's sister Randi has met with backlash over the Silicon Valley reality show she was to executive produce.
Social media success!
Here are 10 effective and cost-effective tools and resources that will help you get the most out of social media.
Want to dig up the dirt?
At a recent blogger conference, we learned about a helpful website called Liberty Chick that provides some of the most helpful links to do opposition research. Whether you're a liberty-minded activist, you run a non-profit organization or you're simply interested in getting more involved in constitutional advocacy on your own, this site will help you.
Here are more useful links from Texas Watchdog.
The new "Gmail Meter" will tell on you
A new tool called "Gmail Meter" will show your Gmail usage, including how many emails you've received, starred, sent or replied to. Also, your daily traffic is charted out. Useful? I invite your feedback.