Information Manipulation and Interference (IMI)

In today's interconnected digital age, the manipulation of information has become a critical challenge. This course is designed for beginners seeking a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals surrounding information disorder and the techniques employed in its manipulation and interference.

Over the duration of this course, you will delve into key topics, starting with an exploration of the basics of information disorder and manipulation. You will then move on to building the necessary infrastructure for effective investigations into information manipulation and interference. Additionally, you will explore the intricacies of social media and dark social investigations, uncovering the tactics used to spread disinformation in these digital realms. The course will culminate in an exploration of network mapping and analysis, providing you with the skills to understand and combat information manipulation at a systemic level.

By effectively completing this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the foundational concepts of information disorder, including the various forms it can take and the motivations behind its manipulation.
• Develop the ability to identify common tactics used in spreading disinformation.
• Learn how to establish a robust framework for investigating information manipulation. This includes understanding the tools and methodologies required to analyse and verify the authenticity of digital content.
• Gain proficiency in investigating and detecting disinformation on social media platforms and in dark social channels. Learn techniques for tracking the spread of manipulated information and assessing its impact on public opinion.

Target Audience:

This course is ideal for journalists and media professionals, researchers, policymakers, cybersecurity analysts, law enforcement and intelligence personnel and anyone interested in understanding and combating the growing challenges of disinformation and information manipulation. Whether you are a beginner in the field or looking to enhance your existing skills, this course provides a foundational knowledge base and practical insights that are relevant across various professional domains. By the end of the course, you will possess the skills needed to critically analyse information sources, investigate manipulation campaigns, and contribute to the development of strategies to counteract information interference in the digital space.

Total Time Commitment: 3 hours 20 minutes