BREAKING: NewsGuard Linked to Stanford Internet Observatory, DHS Censorship Arm, Reveals Records

By | November 29, 2023

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NewsGuard, a company that rates news websites for credibility, has been linked to the Stanford Internet Observatory, the censorship arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The connection was revealed through the Knight Foundation, which funds both organizations. Alina Fichter, a NewsGuard adviser, is also a Knight fellow at Stanford, while Alex Stamos, director of the Knight Institute, heads the Observatory.

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Title: The Link Between NewsGuard and the Stanford Internet Observatory: Unveiling the Connection

Introduction

A recent tweet by journalist Paul Sperry has raised eyebrows regarding a potential connection between NewsGuard and the Stanford Internet Observatory. Sperry claims that records reveal NewsGuard’s affiliation with the censorship arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Knight Foundation, which funds both entities. This article aims to delve into the alleged link between NewsGuard and the Stanford Internet Observatory, shedding light on the significance of this association.

The Connection Unveiled

According to Paul Sperry’s tweet, Alina Fichter, an adviser to NewsGuard, is a Knight fellow at Stanford. This connection suggests a direct affiliation between NewsGuard and Stanford University through the Knight Foundation. Additionally, the tweet states that the director of the Stanford Internet Observatory is Alex Stamos, who is also associated with the Knight Institute. These connections seem to indicate a close relationship between NewsGuard and the Stanford Internet Observatory.

NewsGuard and its Role

NewsGuard is a browser extension that aims to combat misinformation and fake news by providing users with credibility ratings for news websites. The company employs a team of journalists who evaluate websites based on nine criteria, including the website’s history of publishing accurate information, transparency, and adherence to journalistic standards. NewsGuard’s ratings are intended to assist users in making informed decisions about the credibility of news sources.

Stanford Internet Observatory and its Objectives

The Stanford Internet Observatory is a research center at Stanford University that focuses on studying the abuse of technology and its impact on society. Led by Alex Stamos, the Observatory investigates issues such as misinformation, disinformation, and cybersecurity. Its primary goal is to provide policymakers, journalists, and the public with research-based insights to address the challenges arising from the intersection of technology and society.

Implications of the Connection

If the alleged link between NewsGuard and the Stanford Internet Observatory is confirmed, it raises questions about the independence and objectivity of NewsGuard’s ratings. The affiliation with a research center that has ties to the Knight Foundation and the DHS censorship arm may lead to concerns about potential biases or conflicts of interest in NewsGuard’s evaluation process.

However, it is important to note that the tweet does not provide concrete evidence of any wrongdoing or manipulation by NewsGuard. Further investigation is required to determine the extent and nature of the connection between these entities. It is possible that the affiliation is merely coincidental or does not impact NewsGuard’s evaluation methodology.

Conclusion

The alleged connection between NewsGuard and the Stanford Internet Observatory has brought attention to the credibility and objectivity of NewsGuard’s ratings. While the tweet by Paul Sperry hints at a potential association, more information is needed to fully understand the implications of this connection. As consumers of news, it is crucial to remain vigilant and critically evaluate the credibility of sources, considering multiple perspectives and conducting independent research..

Source

@paulsperry_ said BREAKING: Records reveal NewsGuard is linked to the Stanford Internet Observatory, the censorship arm of DHS, thru the Knight Foundation, which funds them both. NewsGuard adviser Alina Fichter is Knight fellow at Stanford. Knight Institute's Alex Stamos is director of Observatory