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In this video, the speaker discusses competitive middleware, which refers to the growing censorship industry. They explain that the censorship industry is structured through government institutions, private sector companies, civil society organizations, and news media and fact-checking institutions. The speaker breaks down the different categories of government censorship activities, such as funding, pressure, coordination, outsourcing, and laundering. They also mention the role of tech platforms and corporate social responsibility arms in the private sector. Additionally, they discuss the involvement of universities, NGOs, non-profits, foundations, and activist researchers in civil society. The speaker highlights the role of news media and fact-checking institutions in pressuring the private sector to censor certain content. They mention recent changes, including legal victories and the Missouri v Biden case, which has led to the proposed restructuring of the censorship industry through competitive middleware. The speaker explains that competitive middleware involves intermediating censorship through firms like NewsGuard, which fix news ratings to ban alternative news. They mention the plan to build up middleware institutions and the concept of capacity building. The speaker also discusses the upcoming EU disinformation regulations and how entities like NewsGuard are positioning themselves as disinformation compliance services to comply with these regulations. They compare this to the compliance industry for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

NewsGuard and GARM pose a serious threat to free speech in the US. NewsGuard's board includes former CIA and NSA heads, working to control the news narrative. They blacklisted 650 news sites during COVID-19 for questioning the origin of the virus. GARM aims to cut funding to alternative news sources spreading misinformation. These organizations collaborate with ad agencies like Publicis Group, which receive taxpayer subsidies. Congress can take action to remove funding from these agencies.

Michael Shellenberger's CTIL files reveal a trove of documents exposing the involvement of governments in censorship. The documents describe the activities of the Cyber Threat Intelligence League (CTIL), an anti-disinformation group that worked closely with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and military contractors. The whistleblower's documents reveal the genesis of modern digital censorship programs, partnerships with intelligence agencies and civil society organizations, and the use of offensive techniques like sock puppet accounts. The documents also show that CTIL aimed to become part of the federal government and had connections with FBI and CISA employees. The documents provide a comprehensive picture of the birth of the censorship industrial complex.

The EU will implement new rules on August 25 requiring compliance with EU disinformation rules for Twitter to operate in the EU market. NewsGuard is offering itself as a disinformation compliance service to meet these new EU laws. Instead of direct coercion from entities like DHS, companies may need to use services like NewsGuard to comply with EU disinformation regulations. This is presented as similar to the rise of DEI programs needed for ESG scores or government contracts.

The Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a relatively unknown agency, has been involved in a censorship operation. However, a court order froze its powers of mass censorship, with the 5th Circuit ruling that CISA likely violated the First Amendment by coercing social media companies to censor free speech. This case is part of a larger issue tied to the Missouri v Biden case, where attorneys general from Missouri and Louisiana filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, arguing that government contact with social media companies for content removal violates the First Amendment. The court rulings have brought attention to the government's involvement in censorship through private companies. The battle over censorship is likely to continue to the Supreme Court.

Patrick Baab and the host discuss the perceived erosion of freedom of expression in Europe and the role of governments and institutions in pressuring speech. - Baab asserts that there is “no freedom of speech in the EU anymore,” citing a 160-page US Congress report published in February that allegedly finds the EU Commission created a system of complete censorship across the European Union. The report states the EU regime “pressured platforms in the Internet to suppress lawful speech, including speech that was true simply because it was politically inconvenient,” and that the Commission is transforming itself “into a censorship authority against democracy.” - The discussion moves to Jacques Baud (spelled Baud by Baab, sometimes Jacques Baud), a Swiss colonel and analyst who argued that the war in Ukraine had been provoked. Baab notes Baud was sanctioned by the EU, with consequences including travel bans, frozen assets, and limited monthly food funds (€500). Baud cannot travel to Switzerland; his bank accounts and property are frozen, and neighbors reportedly cook for him. Baab calls these measures extralegal, asserting they punish a person for an argument, not for crimes, and claims such sanctions illustrate a mechanism to suppress dissent. - Baab elaborates that Baud’s sanction is part of a broader pattern: “extralegal sanctions” against multiple individuals (Baud and 58 others) within and partly outside the EU, aimed at silencing those who challenge NATO or EU narratives. He argues this signals a “death of freedom” and a move to shut mouths through sanctions. - The host asks if the media’s shift toward propaganda is temporary or permanent. Baab responds that the transformation is structural: democracy in Europe is becoming anti-democratic and warmongering despotism. He cites Viktor Orban’s view that the EU intends to wage war against Russia, with propaganda and censorship as two sides of the same coin to close public debate. Baab says the war will be ugly, as Russia has warned it could escalate to nuclear conflict, and ties this to investments in Ukraine (Shell deal) that were lost when territories changed hands, implying economic motivations behind policy and casualties for profits. - The conversation turns to self-censorship. Baab describes widespread fear among journalists and academics; many refused to join a board intended to assist Baud, fearing repercussions. He cites a US Congress report alleging the EU manipulated eight elections, including Romania, Slovakia, and France. He also notes the EU Commission’s engagement with major platforms (Meta, Google, TikTok, X, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Rumble, Reddit, OpenAI) to enforce content management under EU rules, threatening sanctions if not compliant. - Reputational attacks against critics are discussed. Baab shares experiences of smear campaigns, such as being misrepresented as a “Putin poll watcher” in Germany, and notes that state- and EU-funded NGOs sometimes amplify misinformation. He argues mainstream media generally ignores these issues, turning to “new media” and independent outlets as alternatives for information. - On Germany specifically, Baab identifies EU-level figures (German-origin leaders) who drive censorship: Ursula von der Leyen as EU Commission President (authorized COVID-19 disinformation monitoring), Vera Jorova (values and transparency), Thierry Breton (pressures on platforms), Prabhat Agarwal (Digital Services Act enforcement), and Renate Künast (translating DSA into practice). He says national governments decide sanctions but pass the burden to Brussels, creating a “kickback game.” He notes the German Bundestag extended EU sanctions into national law, punishing any helper of a sanctioned person with up to ten years’ imprisonment. - For optimism, Baab says Europe needs external help, such as the US Congress report, and citizens must seek alternative information sources and organize to defend democratic rights, including voting for different parties. He suggests that without broad public pushback, the propaganda system will persist. - The discussion closes with reflections on broader geopolitical dynamics, warnings about a multipolar world, and a dystopian vision of a Europe dominated by conflict and state control, with elites colluding with Western powers at the expense of ordinary citizens.

The defining characteristic of the United States is freedom of speech, guaranteed by the First Amendment. However, this fundamental right is rapidly eroding due to censorship disguised as combating disinformation and malinformation. This censorship, directed by the US government, is not limited to the private sector. Mike Benz, an expert on this issue, explains how the foreign policy establishment and defense contractors manipulate this. Internet freedom, initially used for supporting dissident groups globally, has become a tool for censorship since 2014. NATO now views controlling media as crucial for political influence, targeting even domestic groups. This shift accelerated after the 2016 election, with Russiagate providing cover for domestic censorship. The 2020 election and the COVID-19 pandemic saw massive censorship, with government agencies and private entities working together to suppress dissenting voices. This system uses AI-powered tools to identify and remove content deemed harmful to "democratic institutions," effectively creating military rule disguised as democracy. The fight to preserve free speech is now centered on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), which are facing immense pressure from both governmental and international entities.

These individuals, referred to as government cutouts, are not traditional academics but rather work closely with the government. The head of the Election Integrity Partnership (EIP) consortium, which includes Stanford University, UW, Graphica, and the Atlantic Council, openly admitted that EIP was created to fill the gaps in government capabilities. They were given a $3 million government grant to continue their censorship work for the 2022 midterms and 2024 election. All four entities in the EIP consortium receive funding from the federal government, and there is a revolving door between government and academia, with individuals moving between positions. This close relationship and funding from the government raise questions about their independence and objectivity.

Renee DiResta, a key player in the censorship industrial complex, discusses the power of partnerships in combating misinformation. She highlights the collaboration between government agencies, research organizations, and social media platforms to censor disinformation. DiResta emphasizes the need to create a social norm that supports government censorship and justifies it as a means to prevent harm and protect national security. She proposes the establishment of a Center of Excellence within the federal government to coordinate efforts, deploy experts, and promote resilience products. DiResta acknowledges the importance of respecting civil liberties and free expression while prioritizing effective communication and situational awareness.

Freedom of speech is under attack, with a censorship industrial complex choking expression and debate. Federal and state governments fund censorship technology, directing big tech to censor speech. Academic institutions research disinformation for the censorship regime, and think tanks groom journalists to promote pro-censorship propaganda. Nonprofit censorship groups produce blacklists to favor left-wing media and silence dissenting voices. The Federalist has been targeted for critiquing corporate media coverage of Black Lives Matter riots, which caused over $2 billion in damages. A House report documented Stanford's collusion with government entities to censor information, including political reporting. 70% of Americans distrust corporate media. Blacklists from groups like NewsGuard rate left-wing outlets higher than those challenging orthodoxies, impacting advertising revenue. The Federalist exposed the Russia collusion hoax and media lies against Justice Kavanaugh, even suing the State Department for promoting censorship tools. Despite facing censorship, The Federalist will continue reporting the truth.

NewsGuard, an organization that claims to guard against false narratives online, is actually a tool used by the national security state to control information and suppress alternative news sources. It was created in 2017 by a defense diplomacy intelligence axis to combat the rise of alternative news after the 2016 election. NewsGuard operates similarly to a system implemented in Eastern European countries, where news sources are categorized as blacklisted, whitelisted, or gray listed based on their alignment with NATO propaganda. NewsGuard's board of advisors includes former heads of NATO, CIA, NSA, DHS, and the State Department's Global Engagement Center. They have blacklisted thousands of web pages, including those questioning COVID origins or spreading conspiracy theories. This reveals a concerning level of censorship by the national security establishment.

Unheard attended a parliamentary hearing on the future of news and discussed the issue of disinformation. They discovered a worldwide system of censorship that blocks certain websites from receiving ad revenue. Unheard was placed on the Global Disinformation Index's exclusion list, despite publishing well-known writers and interviewing influential figures. The GDI defines disinformation as narratives that are adversarial, even if factually accurate. The GDI is a government-funded organization that receives money from various sources. Unheard argues that this type of censorship is dangerous and stifles important discussions. They urge individuals and companies to be aware of where their ad dollars are going and to support independent media.

Censorship is rising globally, with governments aiming to control the entire Internet, not just within their borders. Recent victories for free speech advocates include the rejection of censorship legislation in Ireland and Australia, and the resignation of a top EU censor. However, the EU's censorship framework remains intact, with organizations designated to identify and demand censorship from major tech companies. Despite these challenges, public opposition to government censorship is significant, with many recognizing it as a threat to free speech. Efforts to combat this censorship complex will require ongoing dedication, as influential figures continue to push for stricter controls. The focus on misinformation as a global risk by organizations like the World Economic Forum and the UN highlights the urgency of this issue.

To protect social media companies from government pressure to censor content, an incoming administration could issue an executive order on day one. This order would prohibit government grants and contracts to any private company or nonprofit involved in domestic disinformation. This approach addresses the issue of government-funded censorship, allowing for the elimination of grants and contracts that support censorship activities. Currently, there are tens of thousands of individuals in the U.S. whose livelihoods depend on censorship work, a field that emerged in response to the 2016 election.

The CIA has the power to censor media institutions abroad and plans to expand this censorship industry worldwide to control political systems and elections. The American empire is disseminating this industry and assisting other countries in setting it up. It is a government-funded and society-coordinated effort, turning censorship into an industry. This paints a dark future.

Google has introduced a new global censorship tool called "fact check tools" to eliminate dissent on selected topics. Their partners include the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and many others listed on their website. Google's algorithms aim to delete websites criticizing various topics such as COVID-19 statistics, the World Bank, the FBI's crime statistics, and more. The goal is to establish one point of view, supporting a global government under the United Nations. Google has the power to control what news is read or blocked on the Internet, which aligns with the upcoming social credit score system.

Unheard attended a parliamentary hearing on the future of news and discussed the issue of disinformation. They discovered a global system of censorship that blocks certain websites from receiving ads. Unheard was placed on the Global Disinformation Index's exclusion list, despite publishing reputable content. The GDI defines disinformation as adversarial narratives, which allows them to target publications they disagree with. The GDI is funded by various governments and organizations, including the UK government. They determine what is considered disinformation and have listed conservative-leaning websites as the most dangerous. Legal action has been taken against the GDI for infringing on First Amendment rights. The problem of censorship extends beyond the GDI, and it is important for individuals and companies to be aware of where their ad dollars are going.

To protect social media companies from government pressure to censor content, an incoming administration could issue an executive order on day one. This order would prohibit government grants and contracts to any private company or nonprofit involved in domestic disinformation. It effectively addresses the issue of government-funded censorship. By targeting grants and contracts across various agencies, this approach could dismantle the censorship industry, which has grown significantly since the 2016 election. Today, many individuals rely on this industry for their livelihoods, a situation that emerged in response to the political landscape following Trump's victory.

This video explores the history and development of internet censorship, highlighting how the internet initially promoted free speech but eventually became a tool for controlling information. The speaker discusses the involvement of government agencies, NGOs, and private companies in shaping online discourse, as well as the use of cutouts to carry out indirect actions. Recent developments, such as Elon Musk's involvement in Twitter and the growing resistance against censorship, are also mentioned. The speaker suggests that the battle over internet censorship will continue, emphasizing the organized effort to challenge it. Additionally, the video delves into the intersection of censorship technology and institutional infrastructure, particularly in relation to election rigging. The role of AI and machine learning in censoring and manipulating information is highlighted, along with the involvement of tech companies and government agencies. The need for legal and regulatory actions, as well as institutional alternatives, to combat censorship is emphasized. Concerns are expressed about the potential impact of encirclement strategies on free speech platforms. The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of fighting against censorship and the various paths to victory in this ongoing battle.

The speaker outlines a framework for understanding current information control by the US and its allies, arguing that the State Department, the Pentagon, and the Central Intelligence Agency operate together to shape information in society. They describe three roles: the State Department conducts overt information control through funding media institutions (which are presented as “free and independent” but labeled government-backed); the Pentagon engages in information control through psychological operations; and the CIA operates covert information control, influence campaigns, propaganda, and censorship work. Between the State Department and the CIA sits a vast network of soft power institutions that implement this influence. Soft power is defined as the alternative to hard power, enabling a country to win “hearts and minds” and influence other countries’ governments by manipulating populations. The speaker connects this framework to the Brazil situation, stating at the top level the involvement of three or more organizations: the State Department, USAID, and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). USAID and the NED are described as intermediaries between the State Department and the CIA, with the NED characterized as a CIA cutout established after the Church Committee era to fund dissident groups in a publicly firewalled way, though the speaker asserts there is no real divide between the NED and the CIA. The NED’s founders explicitly noted it would do what the CIA used to do, but via a private, publicly named entity. The speaker cites Christopher Walker (NED) as a participant in this ecosystem. The narrative then moves to a 2017 GlobSec video, described as the origin of today’s censorship industry’s consensus. The video’s description is read, highlighting concerns about traditional media being challenged by internet news and social networks, the spread of “unfiltered” alternative media, and the problem of algorithms that personalize content and reinforce confirmation bias. It identifies populist and extremist right-wing groups as exploiting these algorithms, and asks how to protect users from fake news and propaganda without censorship. It questions the role of information technology companies and the responsibility of social platforms for content, while debating how to fight extremism without undermining free speech. The panel includes figures tied to the CIA, DHS, and private security and consulting groups. Key participants highlighted include Michael Chertoff (Executive Chairman of the Chertoff Group, former DHS Secretary, linked to censorship governance), and Christopher Walker (Vice President of NED), among others. The speaker emphasizes Chertoff’s connections to BAE Systems and to the broader military–intelligence–policy network, noting Chertoff’s role in shaping how platforms were to police “unfiltered” content in 2017. The speaker also references Nina Janković, who was connected to the disinformation governance board and the Integrity Initiative, asserting a lineage from Chertoff to the broader censorship apparatus. The speaker then broadens the geopolitical frame to Russia’s resource wealth (citing a claim of $75 trillion in resources vs. the US’s $45 trillion), noting that the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) theater is the battleground for Eurasian influence. The montage in the video is described as starting with 1917 and Woodrow Wilson, portraying the blob’s view of democracy as a vector for hegemonic influence, and linking it to propaganda, censorship, and the need to control online discourse. The montage proceeds through references to 1936, Goebbels and the 1936 Olympics, Hitler, 1943, Elvis, 1960s–70s conspiracy theories about the CIA and JFK, and 1990s declassification of Northwoods-era plans, culminating in the framing of Internet propaganda as a modern battlefield. The session transitions to a live moderator, with a check on audio levels and an introduction to the next segment, announced as taking place in Bratislava for a global audience.

The government's censorship power has grown rapidly, leading to the creation of a whole society censorship network involving various government agencies, universities, NGOs, and media outlets. This initiative was established after the 2016 election to combat misinformation and protect the international order. The government dictates speech policies, funds censorship efforts, and influences media organizations to control the narrative. This extensive censorship enterprise was deemed necessary to maintain the status quo and prevent the rise of populist movements that challenge the foreign policy establishment.

Two main strategies will emerge for censorship in a post-Trump era: state and global. The state strategy involves new laws in blue states like California and New York, aimed at restricting social media content and creating market disruptions. This will push compliant tech companies to the forefront while limiting access to platforms that support free speech. The global strategy mirrors the post-2016 election response, where former officials will leverage their connections to influence foreign governments into imposing censorship on American companies hosting pro-Trump content. This will lead to a battle between the Trump administration's diplomatic efforts and the censorship initiatives from civil society groups aligned with the previous administration.