Clinton Suggests Charging Americans for Spreading Russian Propaganda

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Facts

  • Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday suggested 'civilly or even in some cases criminally' charging Americans found engaging in Russian propaganda.[1]
  • Clinton told MSNBC that both Russians and alleged US-based accomplices should be held accountable, and claimed that influence operations have become more 'sophisticated' since 2016.[2][3]
  • Clinton, who lost to Donald Trump in the 2016 US presidential election, said charging Americans engaged in such propaganda would 'be a better deterrence' than charging Russians, who are unlikely to ever stand trial in the US.[4][5]
  • Clinton alleged Russia is using both 'witting' and 'unwitting' Americans as part of their intelligence operations to spread 'Kremlin propaganda,' including Republicans in office who allegedly 'parrot Russian talking points.'[6]
  • Speaking on the recent indictment of two Russia Today employees, Clinton said 'you can vote however you want' but can't let 'adversaries' — naming Russia, China, and Iran — influence American elections.[6]
  • The US Code already has provisions against intentionally spreading false information, with individuals liable to up to five years in prison and/or a $1K fine if acting 'willfully and maliciously, or with reckless disregard for the safety of human life.'[7]

Sources: [1]Newsweek, [2]KEYE, [3]Realclearpolitics, [4]UnHerd, [5]justthenews.com, [6]MSNBC and [7]LII / Legal Information Institute.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Entrevue.Fr. Hillary Clinton's stance underscores the need for global media and social media security. Russian propaganda's impact on public discourse is a 'weapon of mass distraction.' Artificial intelligence may be a potential tool to counter fake news, but trusted media platforms must also educate citizens. The importance of protecting democratic societies from disinformation aligns with broader concerns about safeguarding truth.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Washington Post and Federalist. Hillary Clinton's outrageously hypocritical call for criminal charges against Americans engaging in misinformation only heightens concerns about attempts by government-industrial complexes to dictate the parameters of 'truth.' Legal efforts to control speech undermine a free media ecosystem. Clinton herself has a checkered history with 'misinformation' and her recent calls endanger civil liberties and encourage a surveillance state.

Predictions