The Danger Social Media Poses to National Sovereignty and Global Security

Abstract

Social media networks have the capability to allow the spread of both factual information and disinformation amongst general populations at a pace unforeseen at any previous time in history. Those who are responsible for continuing to protect democratic principles can benefit from studying, understanding, and adapting to counteract this unheralded spread of data. Developing tactics and strategies to counter the antics of those who propagate disinformation to further their own causes will become necessary to protect the integrity of elections and other national and international interests. This chapter explores and reveals some of the general threats and potential counter measures to keep general populations protected from the negative effects of such campaigns.