Whistleblower Exposes Pentagon's Alleged Domestic Censorship Program via CTIL

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In a recent turn of events, a whistleblower has brought to light shocking revelations regarding the alleged involvement of the Pentagon in a domestic censorship program. Startling details emerged from newly disclosed files attributed to the Cyber Threat Intelligence League (CTIL), casting a shadow on the presumed independence of this organization.

The reports indicate a concerning level of influence exerted by government and military personnel within the CTIL, far surpassing previous understanding. Internal communications, including Slack messages, point to a notable presence of individuals affiliated with government agencies, raising questions about the extent of their involvement in CTIL's operations.

Of particular concern are the revelations concerning CTIL's Slack channels, notably those designated for handling "disinformation" and "law enforcement escalation." According to the whistleblower's files, these channels reportedly hosted current and former FBI employees, personnel from the Michigan Cyber Command Center, members of the US Defense Digital Service (DDS), and representatives from at least one European government.

The DDS, headquartered at the Pentagon and established in 2015, has been underscored for its alleged role in these operations. This newfound information prompts critical inquiries into the extent of the DDS's involvement and the nature of its collaboration with CTIL, a matter that demands immediate scrutiny.

The implications of such revelations are profound, raising concerns about the intersection of government agencies, military entities, and purportedly independent organizations like CTIL in the realm of domestic information control. Questions about the motivations behind this alleged collaboration and the potential implications for free speech and civil liberties demand urgent attention and thorough investigation.

Furthermore, the reported involvement of international representatives adds another layer of complexity, prompting inquiries into the extent of international cooperation in such initiatives and the implications for sovereignty and privacy rights.

The apparent breadth of this collaboration has sparked debates about the boundaries of governmental oversight, the extent to which these activities comply with constitutional protections, and the accountability of entities involved in potentially censorious actions.

The disclosure of these files by a whistleblower underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in safeguarding fundamental freedoms. It also highlights the crucial role of independent oversight to ensure that government and military entities operate within the bounds of legality and uphold the principles of democracy.

As these revelations continue to unfold, the public awaits further investigations and transparency from involved entities to shed light on the intricate dynamics of this alleged domestic censorship program.

The gravity of these disclosures demands a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the facts, safeguard democratic principles, and uphold the rights enshrined in the Constitution.

The Pentagon, DDS, and other implicated entities owe the public a full and transparent account of their activities to uphold the trust bestowed upon them by the citizens they serve. The integrity of democratic values and the freedom of expression must remain paramount amidst these troubling allegations.

As per the recent disclosures by whistleblowers associated with CTIL, the organization has allegedly collaborated with governmental bodies and social media platforms in censoring American content, as reported by the public.

The new whistleblower’s files provide insight into the group’s inner workings, which Terp described as a “parallel effort.” Neither we nor the whistleblower know what the “parallel effort” refers to. In these new files, Eric Brogdon, a cybersecurity director for a private firm, and others appear to have attempted to interfere with physical gatherings, with Brogdon implying that he had the ability to get social media users suspended. When one member shared news about a call for anti-lockdown protests, Brogdon responded, “Let me see if I can get the Facebook user suspended.”

This is the second report on CTIL published by Public.

The CTIL documents fill gaps left by previous disclosures, painting a detailed portrait of the so-called “Censorship Industrial Complex.” This network, comprising over 100 government agencies and NGOs, has been instrumental in pushing for censorship on social media platforms and spreading targeted propaganda. The documents include detailed accounts of digital censorship programs, military and intelligence community involvement, partnerships with civil society organizations and media, and the deployment of covert techniques like sock puppet accounts.

The whistleblower’s revelations highlight the pivotal role of CTIL in the creation and expansion of the Censorship Industrial Complex. Spearheaded by Sara-Jayne “SJ” Terp, a former UK defense researcher, and others, CTIL developed a comprehensive censorship framework in 2019. This framework was later adopted by various governmental and non-governmental organizations, including DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

The Department of Defense (DOD), the consolidation of the Defense Digital Service (DDS) with other agencies into the newly formed Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) has raised eyebrows and prompted concerns over cybersecurity oversight.

The merger, which took place in February 2022, was introduced as a strategic move to combine efforts and resources for enhanced digital and artificial intelligence initiatives. However, a spokesperson for the DOD clarified that the CDAO currently operates independently and lacks any involvement or awareness of past projects associated with the DDS that predates the consolidation.

One of the focal points of concern revolves around the Cybersecurity and Technology Innovation Lab (CTIL), purportedly focused on fortifying cybersecurity measures and safeguarding healthcare systems. Whistleblower accounts have surfaced, hinting at a significant overlap between the CTIL’s activities and those of existing cybersecurity services, sparking skepticism about its true operational objectives.

Of particular note is the revelation of key individuals within the CTIL, notably Justin Frappier from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Frappier's involvement and expressed enthusiasm for combatting disinformation within the group have raised suspicions about the CTIL's broader agenda. The presence of government employees actively engaged in these undertakings suggests a deliberate attempt to leverage the CTIL for objectives extending beyond its initially disclosed scope.

The lack of clarity surrounding the CDAO's awareness of previous projects and the potential multifaceted utilization of the CTIL has led to increased scrutiny and calls for greater transparency within government cybersecurity initiatives.

The concerns raised by these revelations are compounded by the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in an increasingly digital landscape, particularly within healthcare systems that are vulnerable to cyber threats.

For more information and in-depth insights, refer to the article published by Public here.

As questions persist and scrutiny intensifies, the convergence of agencies within the CDAO and the activities of the CTIL demand a closer examination of cybersecurity protocols and the transparency of governmental initiatives in safeguarding critical digital infrastructure.