ISD Glossary
ISD’s Glossary provides clear definitions of key terms related to extremism, hate, information operations and tech accountability. This page is continually reviewed to ensure accuracy.
Deep Learning
Deep Learning is a subset of machine learning. It employs artificial neural networks (ANNs), a methodology inspired by the functioning of a human or animal brain. ANNs are computational models consisting of node layers, which each contain “an input layer, one or more hidden layers, and an output layer”. They are particularly useful for clustering and classifying information. If a neural network has three or more layers of nodes through which data must pass, it is a deep-learning neural network – the intuition is that a greater number of layers makes the network literally deeper. In general, although not always true, the more node layers, the more capable the neural network at handling very large and complicated datasets and discovering patterns within unlabelled and unstructured data. As IBM explains, “[neural networks rely on training data to learn and improve their accuracy over time. However, once these learning algorithms are fine-tuned for accuracy, they are powerful tools in computer science and artificial intelligence, allowing us to classify and cluster data at a high velocity. Tasks in speech recognition or image recognition can take minutes versus hours when compared to the manual identification by human experts. One of the most well-known neural networks is Google’s search algorithm.” A specific kind of ANN, a Transformer Model, is utilised in LLMs (see ‘Transformer Models’ below).
Deplatforming
Deplatforming refers to the blocking of social media accounts and groups. It regularly results in these groups losing audience reach and revenue sources for their agendas. At the same time, deplatforming and the fear of accounts and websites being blocked or deleted has contributed to the emergence of alternative social media platforms.
Disinformation
ISD defines disinformation as false, misleading or manipulated content presented as fact, that is intended to deceive or harm.
Dissuasive content
Dissuasive content is defined as content that aims to deter people from having an abortion. Dissuasive content can be explicitly anti-abortion or use misinformation or graphic language. It can also deploy a wider range of narrative and communication tactics including presenting negative and unverified testimonials of people who claim to have undergone an abortion; selectively highlighting or overstating the risks and side effects of having an abortion; or exclusively promoting parenthood alongside a discussion of abortion.
Dog Whistle
The term ‘dog whistling’ refers to the use of coded language that is understood only by the members of a specific group. These include words, phrases and references that are not understood by uninitiated audiences.
Doxxing
The act of publicly revealing private or identifying information about an individual or organisation without their consent, often with the intent to harass, intimidate, or harm them.
