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Disinformation for hire: how a new breed of PR firms is selling lies online (buzzfeednews.com)

479 points by edward · 2471 days ago · 269 comments on HN

Article summary

A new breed of PR firms is selling lies online, using automation and artificial intelligence to generate fake content and manipulate public opinion. These firms, known as 'black PR' firms, offer services such as creating fake social media accounts, websites, and coordinated harassment campaigns. The article highlights the case of Peng Kuan Chin, a 32-year-old who developed a system to generate AI-created content and spread it across the internet. This phenomenon is not limited to one country, but is a global issue, with firms operating in various regions, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Main themes

  • disinformation
  • black PR firms
  • manipulation of public opinion
  • social media
  • journalism
  • science communication
  • critical thinking
  • media literacy

What commenters say

  • The spread of disinformation is a major threat to society, and the rise of black PR firms is a significant contributor to this problem.
  • The line between manipulating people and educating them is blurry, and even well-intentioned efforts can have unintended consequences.
  • The pursuit of clicks and online engagement can lead to the manipulation of public opinion, even if that is not the primary intention.
  • Some argue that paying for journalism can help to combat disinformation, but others contend that this does not necessarily guarantee accuracy or truthfulness.
  • The use of science to manipulate public opinion is a concern, as it can be used to distort facts and present a biased view of reality.
  • The suppression of legitimate criticism and the dismissal of opposing views can be a major obstacle to constructive dialogue and the pursuit of truth.
  • The role of social media in spreading disinformation is a significant factor, and the algorithms used by these platforms can amplify false or misleading information.
  • The importance of critical thinking and media literacy in combating disinformation cannot be overstated, as individuals must be able to evaluate information effectively and make informed decisions.