Muslim World Report

Disinformation Fuels Tensions Amid LA Protests in 2025

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 11, 2025 11:06 AM | 5 min read | 1001 words

TL;DR: The LA protests of 2025 reveal the significant dangers of disinformation propagated through social media, threatening civil liberties and escalating social tensions. The potential for a national crisis looms if this misinformation is not addressed, impacting public trust in media and government.

Disinformation at the LA Protests: A Crucible of Political Tension and Authoritarian Risk

The recent protests in Los Angeles, which began in early 2025 in response to escalating social inequalities and systemic injustices, have illuminated a perilous intersection of civil unrest and disinformation.

Key Issues:

  • Disinformation exacerbated by social media is transforming public discourse.
  • Peaceful protests are misrepresented as violent uprisings, risking legal repercussions for participants.
  • The implications extend beyond participants to the broader landscape of democratic practices and civil liberties globally.

The Role of Social Media in Disinformation

Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have transformed into fertile grounds for disinformation. These platforms enable the rapid spread of misleading narratives, often originating from partisan sources looking to manipulate public perception.

Insights from Experts:

  • Mahyuddin Daud (2021) highlights that misinformation during crises can precipitate unrest and suspicion.
  • Outlets like Fox News and Newsmax disseminate narratives that significantly distort protest realities (Gunitsky, 2015).

The stakes are exceptionally high:

  • Such narratives can incite further unrest, potentially leading to militarized law enforcement responses reminiscent of past civil rights movements (Jost et al., 2018).
  • Citizens are witnessing a concerning erosion of trust in traditional media, with alternative platforms thriving on existing biases.

The issue of artificial intelligence and deepfakes further complicates matters:

  • Misleading images and videos can escalate emotional reactions, leading to hostility.
  • Potential legal battles may arise, with precedents echoing historical government abuses during unrest (Keenan, 2008).

What If Disinformation Fuels a National Crisis?

If unchecked, escalating disinformation may engulf the nation in a broader crisis characterized by polarization and militarized responses to protests, evoking memories of historical civil rights movements (Walter, 1997).

Consequences of Unchecked Disinformation:

  • Alternative media platforms could champion misleading narratives, fracturing public discourse.
  • Trust in traditional outlets could plummet, affecting nationwide civil order.

Given this context, political leaders might exploit divisions for electoral gains, potentially leading to:

  • A complete breakdown of civil order.
  • Justification for increased state control and diminished civil liberties.

This trajectory is not merely speculative; it reflects a dynamic seen in numerous global contexts where disinformation has facilitated state control at the expense of democracy.

The implications of key lawsuits stemming from these protests reaching the Supreme Court could be monumental.

Areas of Legal Conflict:

  • The balance between citizens’ rights to protest and government order.
  • Fundamental questions surrounding free speech, civil liberties, and state power.

A significant ruling could establish dangerous precedents, disproportionately hindering marginalized communities (O’Donnell, 2004).

Potential Repercussions:

  • Citizens nationwide may encounter new restrictions on assembly and dissent.
  • Public trust in the Supreme Court may wane if perceived as aligned with elite interests.

This erosion of trust could lead to greater societal discord and complicate the landscape of American democracy.

What If Grassroots Movements Emerge from the Chaos?

Alternatively, should the protests catalyze a stronger grassroots movement, significant shifts in the political landscape could emerge.

Potential Outcomes of Grassroots Movements:

  • A sustained effort to combat disinformation may unite diverse demographics around social justice.
  • New coalitions could challenge traditional party politics, demanding accountability in media reporting.

Harnessing technology for positive change, communities could:

  • Engage in constructive dialogue.
  • Share experiences to foster solidarity.

Such movements have the potential to inspire global efforts against oppressive narratives and government overreach (Bennett & Segerberg, 2011).

Strategic Maneuvers

As the stakes rise, stakeholders must adopt strategic maneuvers to effectively address the ongoing crisis.

Governmental Responsibilities

Governments should focus on:

  • Transparency and accountability in public communication.
  • Supporting citizens’ rights to peaceful protest (Hallett, 2010).

Law Enforcement’s Role:

  • Prioritize de-escalation strategies and community policing models to foster trust with marginalized communities (Hendrix, 2010).

Media Organizations’ Role

Media organizations carry a significant responsibility:

  • Uphold rigorous fact-checking standards and collaborate with independent fact-checkers (Gradoń, 2020).
  • Develop media literacy programs to empower the public against misinformation (Chege, 2008).

Civil Society’s Critical Role

Civil society organizations must:

  • Mobilize communities around shared goals and promote accurate information.
  • Facilitate community engagement to prioritize marginalized voices.

The Future of the LA Protests

The situation surrounding the LA protests is fluid and dynamic. The interplay between protest movements, state responses, and media will evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities.

Navigating the Challenges:

  • Disinformation’s potential to shape public perception and policy remains a pressing concern.
  • Grassroots movements present hope for social change, advocating for transparency and accountability.

As events unfold in Los Angeles, they serve as a microcosm of the broader struggles faced by democracies worldwide. Protecting democratic values is imperative as citizens contend with issues of civil liberties, state power, and the integrity of information.

References

  • Bennett, W. L., & Segerberg, A. (2011). The logic of connective action: Digital media and the personalization of contentious politics. Information, Communication & Society, 14(6), 770-790.
  • Chege, M. (2008). Media literacy in the digital age: A perspective from Africa. International Handbook of Media Literacy Research, 1, 43-59.
  • Feldstein, S. (2019). The impact of deepfakes on democracy and national security. International Affairs, 95(5), 1027-1042.
  • Flew, T., & Iosifidis, P. (2019). Social media, political polarization and the role of journalism. Journalism Practice, 13(5), 673-689.
  • Gradoń, K. (2020). The role of fact-checking in combating disinformation. Journalism Studies, 21(1), 1-18.
  • Hallett, N. (2010). Public communication and the politics of protest. Journal of Communication, 60(1), 175-193.
  • Hendrix, C. (2010). De-escalation tactics: A manual for law enforcement agencies. Criminal Justice Studies, 23(4), 399-411.
  • Jost, J. T., et al. (2018). The role of system justification in the maintenance of social inequalities. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 22(4), 313-337.
  • Keenan, T. (2008). The abuse of power during civil unrest: Lessons from history. Social Justice, 35(1), 47-69.
  • O’Donnell, G. (2004). Human development, democracy, and the rule of law. Democracy, Governance, and Human Development, 165-188.
  • Walter, B. (1997). Protests and repression: Understanding the state response. Social Movement Studies, 11(1), 56-74.
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