Federally-funded sock puppets on the loose!

[Syrinx]

If I understand this correctly, and to be honest, I'm not that sure I do, the current federal government is openly soliciting computer programmers to devise and create "sock-puppet" management tools in order to influence internet message boards. This seems to be an effort to thwart the ability of actual members of message boards (such as this one) to help create actual grass-roots movements to instigate any form of social protest and change.

It's almost unbelievable. Like the Rolling Stone story about psyops against our own members of Congress. Almost unbelievable.

While I've suspected stuff like this for some time, I am awed that this "business opportunity" is posted so openly.

Ostensibly, this stuff will only be used against "the enemy," but I have my own doubts. Maybe this program is already up and running, and that explains the prevalence of so many far-right opinions on so many supposedly non-political websites.

Here is the direct connection, and I figure some of my cookies are embedded in the link.

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=d88e9d660336be91552fe8c1a51bacb2&tab=core&_cview=1

[sendero]

1. It IS going to be used against the enemy..

... and if you are an American, capable of critical thinking, disbelieving (for good reason) of authority and having the nerve to express your opinions on the internet - make no mistake you ARE the enemy.

[SammyWinstonJack]

3. +1000!

:thumbsup:

[FreakinDJ]

2. In violation of US Law forbiding the use of psyhc ops against US Citizens

Some one needs to challenge this

[datasuspect]

4. there's money for this

but unions are the real problem?

there are so many disconnects, it boggles the mind.

[Kolesar]

5. Sounds like how coal industry propaganda gets onto the internet

That business description is still rather vague. They are hinting at influencing other governments. I expect that there is more to this.

[Syrinx]

6. yep

me too.

[bobbolink]

7. I'm sure this has not been used on DU.

:rofl: