In 1948, the U.S. to action to enforce a domestic ban that would prevent the American Government from disseminating the propaganda that was intended for foreign audiences only. Promoting America's image was the primary focus, and to position ourselves in a positive image. The Smith-Mundt Act was established in the 40s and it helped aid the Government in international exchange, which involved a variety of things. Education, culture, policies, morals, and democracy; all central ideologies of the Western Hemisphere. Aside from its original purpose of counteracting Soviet propaganda, the Smith-Mundt site itself stresses that the act prevented the U.S. government from disseminating that very same propaganda within the nation. In a positive light, the act protected Americans from the Government's use of propaganda tactics that could potentially influence or sway their morals.
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Years following its establishment, the Internet was invented in the late 60s into the early 70s. The Internet provided many Americans access to Government-issued material, and many people took advantage of this. Many were in agreement that the Smith-Mundt law was outdated, and so it was time for reform.
The law was overturned back in July of 2013 when President Barack Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act. Governing organizations can broadcast their content throughout the entire nation. Sources like the BBC (Broadcasting Board of Governors) are now major distributors of informative media.
It is worth considering the effect this may have on the general population. The Modernization Act may implicate the current understanding that it is hard to limit and control digital content and who receives it. Instead, it aligns with the fact that Americans likely already have access to content posted by users in foreign countries. The act promotes transparency and can help prevent misinterpretation and general belief amongst the population as misinformation is often easily spread.
The most anticipated effect is the spread of Government propaganda. The primary purpose behind the 1948 Smith-Mundt Act was to limit the spread of Gov't propaganda in the United States, but rather to promote those policies and ideologies to the countries in the East. An article posted on the Daily Signal stresses that many citizens are worried that Government agencies will utilize this power to promote their propaganda to greater extremes.
The Modernization Act may also induce a greater division in the masses. The United States is experiencing a state of disorder, socially, economically, and politically, and policies no longer align. Unfiltered content could harm national unity if it promotes divisive policies, segregational motives, or any type of media that can drive a wedge in the population. Specific minority groups such as LGBTQ individuals, and Asian, Latin, or African American populations may feel intentionally targeted by whatever Government-issued propaganda is broadcasted.
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