2024-12-22
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The Influence Game: How Foreign Actors and Extremists are Exploiting Video Games

Nguyen Michael09 mins
The Influence Game: How Foreign Actors and Extremists are Exploiting Video Gamesinfluencegame,foreignactors,extremists,videogames,exploitation

How Video Games Are Being Used by Foreign Actors and Extremists

The Neglected Vulnerabilities in the Gaming Sphere

The digital age has brought with it numerous advancements, transforming various industries and revolutionizing the way we communicate and consume information. However, as we have witnessed in recent years, these advancements have also opened new avenues for foreign actors and extremists to further their agendas. While social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have received significant attention for their role in information influence campaigns, a new report from Lund University highlights a stunning revelation – the gaming sector has been largely overlooked by most Western nations, despite its susceptibility to exploitation.

The report, authored by the Psychological Defense Research Institute at Lund University in Sweden, reveals that video games are emerging as a potent tool for various actors, ranging from extremist groups like IS and Hezbollah to nation-states like Russia. The study identifies up to 40 vulnerabilities within the gaming sphere, emphasizing the urgent need to address these issues.

Recruitment and Propaganda: The Dark Side of Gaming

The potential impact of video games as recruitment tools for terrorist organizations is not a recent phenomenon. The report points out that as early as the 2000s, groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Da’esh have been using video games to target and influence different audiences. For example, the Hezbollah Central Internet Bureau released a video game called Special Force in 2003, which served as a recruitment tool for their cause.

Furthermore, video games have also been utilized for war propaganda purposes. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has witnessed the exploitation of platforms such as Roblox and Minecraft by Russia to spread propaganda. One notable example is the fictional character of the Ukrainian MiG-29 pilot, known as the Ghost of Kyiv, whose exploits in downing invading planes gained significant fame on social media. However, it was later revealed that the pilot and the footage used were both from the 2013 video game Digital Combat Simulator.

Similarly, misinformation and manipulation have been observed in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Fact-checks have revealed that videos claiming to depict the conflict were, in fact, footage extracted from the game ARMA 3. These instances highlight the power of video games as a medium through which false narratives can be disseminated and perpetuated.

The Urgent Need for a Secure Gaming Industry

In light of the vulnerabilities identified in the gaming industry, it is imperative to take immediate action to secure an industry that entertains and connects billions of users worldwide. The researchers at Lund University argue that valuable lessons can be learned from the scrutiny faced by social media platforms in combating similar issues. They suggest that partnerships between the gaming industry, players, and governments need to be forged to develop effective countermeasures.

The voluntary agreements and regulations that have been implemented in social media, such as the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation, serve as examples that can guide the gaming industry. By learning from successes and missteps in the social media realm, the gaming industry can proactively address vulnerabilities and mitigate risks associated with adversarial influence campaigns.

Freedom of Speech in the Digital Age

While developing countermeasures, it is crucial to prioritize and uphold the principles of freedom of speech and expression. These rights have been at the center of debates surrounding social media, and they must also guide discussions on gaming platforms. The researchers emphasize the importance of raising awareness and fostering open discussions on this pressing issue. By creating an environment of dialogue, we can collectively aim to safeguard democratic societies while protecting the rights of individuals.

Editorial: A Call for Vigilance and Collaboration

The findings of the Lund University report serve as a wake-up call to the gaming industry, governments, and society at large. The time for neglecting this critical issue has passed. The vulnerabilities present in the gaming sphere demand urgent attention and a comprehensive response.

Governments must recognize the importance of expanding their focus beyond social media platforms and develop policies that address the exploitation of video games by foreign actors and extremists. The gaming industry, as a vital stakeholder, must actively collaborate with researchers, journalists, and governments to better understand the extent of these vulnerabilities and develop effective strategies to counter them.

In this era of rapid technological advancement, we cannot afford to be complacent. The security of our entertainment and communication platforms is paramount, and failure to address these vulnerabilities can have severe consequences for democratic societies. As we move forward, it is crucial to maintain a balance between freedom of speech and safeguarding against adversarial influence campaigns.

The gaming industry, governments, and users themselves must be vigilant and proactive in ensuring the integrity and security of these platforms. By working together, we can protect our shared spaces and preserve the positive potential that gaming holds for billions of users worldwide.

(Source: Ghenadie Cebanu >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.

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