Since early October of last year, it has been increasingly apparent that the vast majority of chatbots — including OpenAI’s Chat GPT, Google’s Bard, and Microsoft’s Bing — are influencing narratives when it comes to the Gazan humanitarian crisis and war crimes being instigated by the Zionist state. [1]
While chatbots such as the above are being used, often with good intentions, to ask questions about the ongoing oppression against Palestine, responses are occasionally manufacturing critical things like dates and names, or giving completely untrue information. [2]
At the same time, non-Palestinian users of social media are struggling to use platforms such as X, Facebook, and others, without being bombarded by pro-Israeli comments and posts.
Significant issue that is compounded by blackouts
Due to the apartheid state’s stranglehold over Gaza’s telecommunications networks, it is readily able to shut off entire areas from the wider world, when it sees fit.
Indeed, during this genocide, it has caused communications blackouts that have likely led to tens of thousands being mistreated or killed, while the world is unable to pick up even the slightest hint until weeks or months later. [3]
A November 2023 report by Access Now, a non-profit that pays close attention to digital civil rights, found that complete or partial shutdowns of both telephone and broadband connections have been rife. [3]
Just in the month of October 2023, Internet traffic had plummeted by over 80 per cent in Gaza. Much of this was down to attacks on telecommunications infrastructure and technical disruptions, in addition to the cutting off of electricity supplies. [3]
Israeli efforts to twist narratives have made an impact
Michel Semaan, a Lebanese researcher, who has been monitoring pro-Israeli social media activity since October, has said,
“The idea is that if a [pro-Palestinian] activist posts something, within five… 10… or 20 minutes or a day, a significant amount of [comments on their post] are now pro-Israeli.
“Almost every tweet is essentially bombarded and swarmed by many accounts, all of whom follow very similar patterns, all of whom seem almost human.” [2]
So in addition to chatbots providing biased responses, and technological blackouts restricting vital updates out of Gaza, it is increasingly likely that Israeli-funded bots are in full force on social media in order to skew narratives in favour of the apartheid state.
Analysis
ANALYSIS
We are witnessing a multi-layered struggle, where traditional warfare on the battlefield unravels along with the battle in the realm of ideas, narratives, and the hearts and minds of people.
Our adversaries are employing the latest technologies and strategies in this war of information. And it is imperative that we remain vigilant in our defence and proactive in our countermeasures. This is an ongoing cause — upholding truth against falsehood — arguably one that will never truly end before the Day of Judgment.
At Islam21c, we strive to be at the forefront of adopting modern tools and techniques. What is often manipulated for harmful purposes can indeed be harnessed for good.
By working together, we can turn the tide. May Allah grant us the strength to prevail on all fronts. Āmīn.
Source: Islam21c
Notes
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[2]
[3]
