Smith-Mundt Act Revision for Prohibition of Domestic Propaganda

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Title: An Act to Amend and Revise the Smith-Mundt Act to Prohibit Domestic Dissemination of Propaganda by Government Agencies

Introduction:

This policy proposal aims to revise the Smith-Mundt Act, which was originally passed in 1948 to regulate the U.S. government’s international information activities. The amendment seeks to reaffirm and strengthen the prohibitions against the use of government-funded propaganda on U.S. citizens, reversing changes made by the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2012.

Purpose:

  • To prevent the domestic dissemination of propaganda produced by agencies like the State Department, National Security Agency (NSA), and others within the U.S. government.
  • To ensure transparency and uphold democratic principles by not allowing public funds to be used for influencing domestic public opinion through propaganda.

Key Provisions:

  1. Reinstatement of Domestic Dissemination Ban:

    • Re-establish the prohibition on the domestic dissemination of materials intended for foreign audiences. This includes all forms of media produced by U.S. governmental agencies aimed at foreign policy or international influence.

  2. Scope of Application:

    • Include all government agencies involved in information dissemination, explicitly naming the State Department and NSA, to ensure comprehensive coverage under the law.

  3. Definition of Propaganda:

    • Clearly define “propaganda” for legal purposes. Propaganda should be understood as information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view, excluding transparent public information campaigns or educational content.

  4. Transparency and Accountability:

    • Require all government-produced content intended for foreign audiences to be available for domestic scrutiny upon request, ensuring that such content is not used covertly within the U.S.
    • Establish an oversight committee composed of members from both legislative bodies, media ethics professionals, and civil liberties organizations to monitor compliance.

  5. Public Access and Freedom of Information:

    • While maintaining the ban on direct dissemination, ensure that materials can be accessed through formal requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), promoting transparency without allowing for unchecked spread.

  6. Penalties for Violations:

    • Introduce strict penalties for government officials or agencies found to be in violation of this act, including financial sanctions, public censure, and mandatory review of funding for involved programs.

  7. Digital and Social Media Considerations:

    • Address modern communication platforms by prohibiting government agencies from using these channels for domestic propaganda, with clear guidelines on how content should be managed online.

  8. Educational Campaigns:

    • Differentiate between propaganda and educational or informational campaigns by requiring that all such government initiatives be clearly labeled and sourced, with mechanisms for public feedback on content accuracy and relevance.

  9. Review and Reporting:

    • Mandate an annual report to Congress detailing the compliance with this act, including any instances where content was disseminated domestically and the actions taken.

Implementation:

  • Legislative Action: This bill will need to pass through both the House of Representatives and the Senate before being signed into law by the President.
  • Regulatory Framework: Development of detailed regulations by agencies like the Department of State and NSA to comply with the reinstated provisions.
  • Public Awareness: Launch a public awareness campaign to inform citizens about their rights under the revised Smith-Mundt Act, fostering an environment where citizens can engage more critically with information disseminated by their government.

Conclusion:

By revising the Smith-Mundt Act, we aim to preserve the integrity of public discourse in the United States, ensure government transparency, and protect the democratic process from internal manipulation through propaganda. This proposal returns to the original intent of the Act while adapting to contemporary media landscapes.

This policy proposal seeks to re-establish trust in government communications by ensuring that taxpayer-funded content does not influence domestic public opinion in a manner inconsistent with democratic values. If enacted, it would reaffirm the United States’ commitment to an informed and unmanipulated citizenry.

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