black propaganda
Falsely attributed messaging
Black propaganda is disinformation designed to appear as if it comes from a source other than its true origin—typically an enemy or neutral party.
Unlike white propaganda (openly from its source) or gray propaganda (source unattributed), black propaganda actively deceives about who created it.
A government might forge documents appearing to come from an adversary, or create fake news outlets posing as independent.
The deception about origin is the defining feature: The leaflets were black propaganda, made to look like they came from rebel forces.
Secret military or intelligence activities
- counterintelligenceDefense against enemy espionage
- spycraftMethods of secret agents
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- agentsThose who act for others
moles · infiltration · dead drops · double agents · surveillance · CIA · KGB · MI6
Intentional deceptive falsehoods
- psyopsStrategic manipulation of adversaries' thinking
- false-flagAttack disguised as another's
- smearSpread or defame
- fabricationDeliberately untrue statement
forgery · impersonation · front groups · agitprop · leaflets · fake documents · poison pen · astroturfing
Make unsteady or insecure
- demoralizeDestroy confidence or resolve
- undermineWeaken by stealth
- subversionUndermining established authority
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
incitement · sedition · discredit · fifth column · regime change · insurgency · information warfare · hybrid warfare
Crediting the wrong source
- falsificationDeliberate alteration of truth
- distortionTwisting from original state
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
hoax · canard · mendacity · prevarication · untruth · rumor · lie · fake news
covert operations
Secret military or intelligence activities
- counterintelligenceDefense against enemy espionage
- spycraftMethods of secret agents
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
agents · moles · infiltration · dead drops · double agents · surveillance · CIA · KGB · MI6 · political warfare
disinformation
Intentional deceptive falsehoods
- psyopsStrategic manipulation of adversaries' thinking
- false-flagAttack disguised as another's
- smearSpread or defame
fabrication · forgery · impersonation · front groups · agitprop · leaflets · fake documents · poison pen · astroturfing · sockpuppets
destabilize
Make unsteady or insecure
- demoralizeDestroy confidence or resolve
- undermineWeaken by stealth
- subversionUndermining established authority
sabotage · incitement · sedition · discredit · fifth column · regime change · insurgency · information warfare · hybrid warfare · hearts and minds
misattribution
Crediting the wrong source
- falsificationDeliberate alteration of truth
- distortionTwisting from original state
- slanderSpoken false defamation
defamation · hoax · canard · mendacity · prevarication · untruth · rumor · lie · fake news · manufactured consent
black propagandaeducational content
Material meant to teach
investigative journalism · fact-checking · public service announcements · balanced coverage
black, propaganda, blacks, blacker, blackest, blacken, blackened, blackening, blackness