I attended a featured project session with MapThis, Ushahidi, and Greener One. Erik Hersmann, White African, mentioned the term "Data Posioning." Later I found this blog post and presentation via Ivan Boothe where he defines it as:
Data poisoning - what happens when your antagonist starts using it?
I twittered this question and other conference attendees either in the room or elsewhere responded:
SteveHeye
the YMCA has faced tax and mission challenge from IHRSA (health and ract club) that distorts and twists our advocacy-data poisoning?
Alan Benamer
re: data poisoining -- see anti-Tibet attacks on nonprofts http://is.gd/mzz
Peter Campbell
We have donors calling us asking why -- is this data poisoning? It's certainly twisting our message.
Earthjustice is dealing w/rightwing blogger saying we are responsible for high gas $$ b/c we're against Alaska drilling.
Joe Cascio
Yeah, it's called Fox News.
Has your organization dealt with "data posioning"? What are the best practices for dealing with it?
I'd think this is an extension of the astroturf campaigns done by corporations. I can't think of any examples off the top of my head, but I think there must be more examples to be found of this (and other forms of "infowar") on the nettime list.
Posted by: Rolf Kleef | May 27, 2008 at 06:58 PM