Disinformation

"What kind of company, a publicly traded company, doesn't share its most basic financial information with investors?

In this episode of Disinformation, host Paul Brandus delves into the infamous case of Enron, a Houston-based energy company that was once a Wall Street darling. Enron manipulated its financial information, misrepresenting its earnings and altering its balance sheet to deceive investors. The host also discusses other cases of financial disinformation, such as WorldCom, Tyco, and Health South, highlighting the destructive power of such deception. He raises questions about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in detecting and preventing future instances of financial disinformation, particularly in analyzing large amounts of text data, like the 10K filings that companies submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). However, concerns exist about the potential risks and unintended consequences of relying solely on AI in financial decision-making, emphasizing the need for human oversight. The episode concludes by reflecting on the challenges of controlling AI-powered disinformation and the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of evolving threats.

[00:01:38] Lack of transparency at Enron.

[00:07:00] Financial disinformation.

[00:12:22] AI and financial disinformation.

[00:16:20] AI trading algorithms and risks.

Thanks to Professor Craig Lewis of Vanderbilt University for his insights. Sound from CNBC, ABC and C-SPAN. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to [email protected]. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening.

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"It creates this sort of feedback loop of Disinformation that's happening all the time there."

On this episode of Disinformation, hosts Paul Brandus and Meredith Wilson delve into the concerning rise of disinformation in India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The episode highlights the protests outside the White House during Modi's visit, where opponents accused him of undermining democracy and suppressing freedoms. The transcript reveals that India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has plummeted, with the country now ranked 161st out of 180 countries. The hosts discuss how social media and the internet have exacerbated the spread of disinformation, particularly in the context of Hindu-Muslim tensions. They also touch on the alarming prevalence of COVID-19 misinformation in India and the ease with which false narratives can be generated using artificial intelligence. Overall, the episode sheds light on the challenges India faces in combating disinformation and protecting democratic values.

[00:01:24] India's declining press freedom

[00:05:08] The Indian news "hyper-cycle"

[00:12:09] Fake cricket

[00:13:43] The ease of generating disinformation in India

Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to [email protected]. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guests Pearl D'Souza and Kyle Walter. Our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening.

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"What is the line where your ability to say what you want stops and your ability to make up things that harm people starts?"

In Elon Musk's recent interview with the BBC, he discussed free speech and his vision for the platform to serve as a "digital town square." However, the challenge arises when determining what constitutes misinformation in a divided society where basic facts are contested. The episode explores the concept of disinformation and the concerns surrounding its potential resurgence on Twitter under Musk's ownership as well as on other social media platforms. Join host Paul Brandus as he delves into the complex issue of disinformation in the digital age.

[00:02:08] Peddlers of disinformation return.

[00:04:52] First Amendment and social media.

[00:10:59] Tackling disinformation upstream.

[00:12:11] Public education campaigns.

[00:16:26] Extending the Pareto Principle to social media.

Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to [email protected]. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guests Meredith Wilson of Emergent Risk International and Ella Irwin for their insights. Our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening.

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Many Americans—influenced by political leaders and even some health providers—chose to downplay or ignore science-based recommendations from infectious-disease experts to get vaccinated, wear masks, and practice physical distancing. At the same time, unproven, even “dangerous anti-science beliefs and behaviors” spread, gaining traction with some. As a result, notes Scientific American, “more people have died in the U.S. from COVID-19 than in any other country, and our nation has one of the highest per capita death rates in the world.”

Featuring Dr. Seema Yasmin, Director of Research and Education, Stanford University Health Communication Initiative; John Gregory, Health Editor for NewsGuard, and Meredith Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Emergent Risk International

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On the second anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol, we look at the government’s need to recalibrate its approach to domestic terrorism. But a revamping of basic American institutions is needed as well - featuring Dr. David Gioe, Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Director of Studies for the Cambridge Security Initiative and co-convener of its International Security and Intelligence program.

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