Farlige ord: De hemmelige tjenestenes forståelse av desinformasjon som en samfunnstrussel

Abstract

This article explores the premise for the Norwegian security authorities' understanding of disinformation as a soci- etal threat and how they work against the spread of disinformation. The study is based on qualitative interviews with 12 actors from Norwegian security agencies. The findings are summarized in three themes: 1, The informants con- sider disinformation to be a threat to society and the citizens' opportunity to be informed. 2, Their working methods are limited by legislation and the mandate they are given, and they have a limited overview of the spread of disinfor- mation. 3, The Informants are highly aware of dilemmas raised by closer surveillance of the information sphere – it could undermine the democracy they want to protect. The analysis builds on theories of public connection and informed citizenship, and the discussion revolves around two democracy-challenging dilemmas: disinformation vs. informed citizens, and surveillance vs. freedom of expression. The conclusion emphasizes how the security inform- ants' lack of information may be part of the democratic dilemma.