Particle.news

Download on the App Store

State Department Closes Controversial Disinformation Office

The closure of R/FIMI, formerly the Global Engagement Center, ends allegations of domestic censorship but raises concerns about countering foreign propaganda.

Overview

  • The State Department has permanently shut down its Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference hub (R/FIMI), eliminating all staff positions.
  • Originally established in 2011 to counter terrorist propaganda, the office later shifted focus to combating domestic misinformation, sparking accusations of censorship against conservatives.
  • Critics allege the agency used taxpayer funds to support third-party organizations like Global Disinformation Index and NewsGuard, which labeled certain news outlets as high-risk.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision as a step to protect free speech, citing the agency's alleged role in silencing American voices.
  • The closure leaves the U.S. without a dedicated unit to counter foreign disinformation campaigns from adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran.

Loading Articles...

Loading Quotes...