Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine continues not only on the battlefield, but also in the information space. Fakes, manipulations and propaganda remain one of the main tools for influencing public opinion. In response to these challenges, a civil initiative called "BRAMA" is operating in Ukraine, aimed at countering disinformation and blocking illegal content on the Internet.
As noted by the operatives of the 9th department of the Cybercrime Countermeasures Department in Kyiv, Liliya Prontenko and Natalia Osadcha, the name of the project has a symbolic meaning. Throughout history, the gate has performed a defensive function - as protected entrances to cities, fortresses and castles. In the Middle Ages, it symbolized the city as a protected community, which is reflected in the heraldry of many Ukrainian cities, in particular Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Rivne and Kherson. Today, "GATE" performs a similar function, but already in the digital space.
Information warfare as a challenge.
With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russian information expansion has significantly intensified. The enemy is trying to achieve its goals through unarmed penetration into the information field of Ukraine.
Unconscious consumption of content and an insufficient level of information literacy contribute to the spread of fakes and propaganda, which negatively affects both public consciousness and the course of the war in general.
Every day, users of social networks and messengers encounter information that may be false or dangerous. Many want to stop its spread, but not everyone knows how to do it effectively.
What is unique about the project?
The BRAMA initiative combines a quantitative and qualitative approach to countering propaganda. On the one hand, the project helps reduce the media presence of Russian resources by sending mass complaints. On the other hand, it teaches users to be critical of content and recognize manipulation.
The organizers emphasize that the project does not use DDoS attacks or other technical methods that require special knowledge or software. To participate, all you need is a mobile phone or computer and a few minutes of free time.
How does "BRAMA" work?
The project is an example of synergy between citizens, the private and public sectors in countering disinformation and illegal content in the information space.
Among the core values of the initiative:
- transparency;
- competence;
- independence;
- performance.
The project's mission is to cleanse the Ukrainian information space of Russian propaganda, disinformation, and centers of illegal distribution of prohibited content.
Main areas of activity
Among the goals of "GATE":
- identifying and blocking Russian information outlets on the Internet;
- reducing the level of bullying and online harassment;
- combating fraud and drug distribution online;
- conducting cyber hygiene exercises and trainings;
- increasing the level of information literacy of the population;
- engaging citizens in active civic engagement.
To block sources of disinformation, project participants send mass complaints about dangerous or illegal content. The more such complaints, the higher the probability of the resource being blocked by platform administrations.
What will participants receive?
Community members can:
- Report sources of inappropriate content;
- join mass complaint campaigns;
- receive advice on media and cyber literacy;
- learn about current fraudulent schemes;
- be informed about fake news spread by the enemy.
In addition, the community publishes entertaining content designed to maintain participants' motivation and emotional balance in wartime.
Source link: https://chatovi.online/
