Disinformation
Detecting, Collecting & Analyzing
Understand the creation, propagation, and strategic objectives of disinformation
About the course
Disinformation refers to false or misleading information that is deliberately spread with the intent to deceive or manipulate an audience. It can take many forms, including propaganda, hoaxes, conspiracy theories, and fake news. In this course, students will investigate different types of disinformation, and explore the tactics and techniques used by actors to achieve strategic objectives through information operations.
Students will be introduced to a range of tools and techniques for collecting, detecting and analysing disinformation, including data analysis and visualization programs.
Through a series of case studies and real-world examples, students will gain practical experience in identifying and deconstructing disinformation campaigns and narratives, including the various methods used to create and disseminate false information, as well as the ways in which these campaigns can be used to undermine trust in democratic institutions, promote extremist ideologies, or disrupt social cohesion.
Students will also explore strategies for countering and combating disinformation, including counter-narrative development, media literacy, and fact-checking
Key Learning Objectives
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Understand definitions and types of inauthentic content, including disinformation, misinformation, malinformation, and propaganda.
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Identify tactics and techniques used by state and non-state actors to disseminate and amplify. disinformation online, such as bot networks, deepfakes, “fake news” stories, and astroturfing.
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Explain the impact of social media on the impact, scale and reach of disinformation.
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Identify the strategic objectives that actors seek to achieve through information warfare and influence operations.
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Apply open-source collection methodologies, tools, and techniques to collect and classify inauthentic content from social media platforms and websites.
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Use Excel functions and formulas to analyse and identify patterns and trends in large. disinformation data sets
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Evaluate the reliability and credibility of online sources, and make judgements about the provenance, agenda, message, and medium of sources.
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Use data visualisation software to visualise online disinformation networks and campaigns.
Who should take this course?
This course is designed to build students’ practical skills in analyzing disinformation campaigns and ecosystems, which will enable them to conduct more effective disinformation investigations and analysis.
The course is aimed at a broad range of professionals who seek to understand and counter disinformation online.
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Intelligence Analysts and law enforcement who investigate and report on the information environment and influence operations.
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Journalists and media professionals who need to identify and report on disinformation campaigns and protect the public from harmful narratives.
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Communication and marketing professionals who seek to mitigate the impact of disinformation through communication strategies and counter-narratives.
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Educators who develop resources and strategies to help students become informed, responsible consumers of information.
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Policy makers in government and non-government organisations who develop policies or legislation to combat disinformation campaigns.
A three-day instructor-led course with a focus on practical activities. We provide course resources and further reading to maximise learning outcomes and underpin students’ ongoing professional development.
As an alternative to the in-person instructor-led offering, the self-paced virtual course can be completed through the OSINT Combine Academy for USD $499, for 12 months access.
Format and Cost
