U.S. officials have withdrawn from protocols designed to combat foreign disinformation following the end of the Global Engagement Center’s mandate, sparking concerns about information warfare against Russia and China.
Inauguration of Protocols
In 2022, the Biden administration signed protocols/initiatives launched by the Global Engagement Center (GEC) of the U.S. Department of State, aimed at fostering a unified approach to identifying and exposing malicious information disseminated by foreign regimes seeking to sow chaos.
Withdrawal from Protocols
U.S. officials have reportedly withdrawn from these protocols in recent weeks, according to three European officials familiar with the matter. This withdrawal comes after China and Russia accusations of unilateral disarmament, according to The Atlantic.
Global Engagement Center
The center, established in 2011, initially focused on combatting terrorist propaganda before expanding its operations to monitor and expose foreign disinformation activities. Its operations were later suspended in 2023 after Republicans in Congress prevented its mandate renewal.
Republican Accusations
While the center’s work concentrated outside the U.S., many Republicans accused it of censorship and stifling conservative voices.
