FYI: A new report from Data & Society, Weaponizing the Digital Influence Machine: The Political Perils of Online Ad Tech <https://datasociety.net/output/weaponizing-the-digital-influence-machine/> identifies the technologies, conditions, and tactics that enable today’s digital advertising infrastructure to be weaponized by political and anti-democratic actors. Anthony Nadler, Matthew Crain, and Joan Donovan argue that political actors use three main strategies to weaponize the DIM by targeting specifically selected audiences at “weak points” when they’re most vulnerable to manipulation. Rather than using these techniques to change long-standing beliefs, actors target audiences with the goals of amplifying existing resentments and anxieties; sowing distrust in others; influencing political decisions; and deepening divisions. The report concludes with a discussion of strategies for mitigating these political perils. Apologies for cross-posting. Cheers, Matt Crain