Monday, April 16, 2012

#NPOV and information warfare

#Wikipedia has the neutral point of view (NPOV) as one of its core principles. Wikipedia finds its public all over the world and consequently sources that are to establish facts are from all over the world.

Information warfare is practised by many opposing parties, companies and countries. One of its aspects is to "spreading of propaganda or disinformation to demoralize or manipulate[1] the enemy and the public, undermining the quality of opposing force information and denial of information-collection opportunities to opposing forces."

When information provided by sources is tainted by premeditated lies, when this is an established fact, the question of a notion of a neutral point of view is no longer about different view points but about different fabrications. Wikipedia frowns about when some sources are used. Maybe even more sources need to be considered to be for what they are, the conduit of fabrications and not as sources of facts.
Thanks,
      GerardM


PS inspired as often by Bruce Schneier ..

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