Behind the widely touted mission to “combat disinformation,” there exists a complex web of motivations and mechanisms driving social media platforms to align with government agencies. This alignment is not merely about public safety; rather, it often serves deeper purposes of narrative control and centralized influence over public opinion. Evidence points to direct channels and partnerships where officials flag dissenting content, leading to swift suppression or removal—especially during politically charged events or health crises. These collaborations are bolstered by algorithmic manipulation, shadow banning, and opaque moderation systems that sideline inconvenient voices. The boundaries between tech giants, state actors, and other powerful entities blur as they collectively determine what information is amplified and what is buried. Financial interests, political agendas, and the desire to maintain social cohesion are all at play, frequently at the expense of open debate and free expression. This environment breeds distrust and fuels concerns about the true motivations behind what is labeled as “disinformation.” For an in-depth exploration of these hidden dynamics and their far-reaching consequences, listeners are strongly encouraged to dive into the podcast episodes themselves.