The Evolution of Psy Ops – Information Manipulation and Control Today

Introduction

In the 21st century, the term “Psy Ops” (psychological operations) has shifted from a military jargon to a concept with deep relevance to everyday life. The control and manipulation of information—once the domain of wartime censors and propagandists—has become a sophisticated, data-driven enterprise. Today, information flows are shaped not only by governments but also by private companies, NGOs, and tech giants, all leveraging advanced profiling and targeted messaging. This article explores the historical roots and modern manifestations of information control, with a focus on the operations of organisations like Moonshot, and examines the implications for public trust in media and communication.

Historical Foundations of Information Control

The use of information as a tool of influence is not new. Throughout the 20th century, both Western and communist governments recognised the power of controlling narratives to shape public behaviour and maintain social order.

• Wartime Censorship: During the World Wars, governments established ministries dedicated to censorship, such as the British Ministry of Information, which had the authority to examine, modify, or suppress any publication deemed a threat to national security. Similar mechanisms appeared in the United States, where acts like the Espionage Act of 1917 and subsequent regulations enabled broad control over what information could be disseminated.
• Propaganda and Psychological Warfare: The Cold War era saw the rise of psychological operations, with agencies like the U.S. Information Control Division actively moulding post-war German media to promote democratic values and suppress militaristic or nationalist sentiments. Both Western and communist states used propaganda to tap into emotions such as fear, loyalty, and community, redirecting public sentiment to align with official narratives.

Modern Methods – Profiling and Digital Manipulation

With the advent of the internet and ubiquitous connectivity, the scale and precision of information control have expanded dramatically.

• Surveillance and Profiling: Today, most individuals are connected to the internet 24/7 through smart devices. These devices constantly collect data—location, browsing habits, social interactions—which is uploaded to data brokers and analysed to create detailed profiles. These profiles go far beyond traditional categories like “criminal” or “terrorist,” encompassing political beliefs, personal interests, social circles, and even emotional states.
• Targeted Messaging: This granular data allows for highly specific psychological operations. Messaging can be tailored to exploit particular fears, desires, or loyalties within segmented groups, nudging behaviour in ways that are often imperceptible to the target. Governments and private actors alike use these tools to reinforce or disrupt groupthink, often in service of political or commercial objectives.

Case Study: Moonshot and the New Face of Psy Ops

Moonshot (moonshotteam.com) exemplifies the new breed of organisations operating at the intersection of technology, data science, and psychological influence. According to their own materials, Moonshot works with major tech companies like Google, Meta, and Spotify, as well as government agencies in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

• Clients and Influence: Moonshot’s client list includes not only the world’s largest information platforms but also government agencies that have been at the forefront of recent censorship measures, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. These partnerships enable Moonshot to influence, filter, or redirect information on a massive scale, shaping public discourse across entire societies.
• Methods: Moonshot publicly details its ability to “redirect” individuals searching for extremist content, but the same technology can be used to steer public opinion on virtually any topic. By leveraging data from social media and search engines, they can deliver tailored content designed to influence beliefs and behaviours in line with their clients’ objectives.

“The control of news would be most effective if it was integrated with a procedure for its release.”
— British Ministry of Information, WWII

The Two-Tier System – From Psy Ops to Groupthink

The modern information environment can be understood as a two-tiered system:

• Tier 1: Organisations like Moonshot, operating largely behind the scenes, develop and implement strategies for information control and psychological influence.
• Tier 2: Mainstream media outlets amplify and normalise these narratives, reinforcing the intended groupthink among the general population.

The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated how quickly and thoroughly this system can be mobilised to enforce a particular narrative, often at the expense of dissenting voices or alternative viewpoints. During this time, we watched hundreds of subject matter experts get censored, scientific evidence suppressed and governments taking full control over all information. With the speed of light, all connected countries, in particular, USA, Canada, New Zealand and UK were at the forefront, using Psy Ops to spread fear and panic to suppress their populations. In fact it was so successful that much of the, now debunked information, is still published and propagated by the their reigning governments today. The fear is still being peddled and many millions of people remain quietly subservient and will not question the prevailing narratives.

The Need for Scepticism

In a world where information is so thoroughly mediated and manipulated, the line between public diplomacy, propaganda, and outright misinformation is increasingly blurred. While organisations like Moonshot may present their work as promoting safety or countering extremism, the same tools can be—and have been—used to suppress legitimate debate and enforce conformity.

It is crucial to recognise that Moonshot is only one example among many. Numerous similar organisations operate globally, often in partnership with governments and tech companies, wielding unprecedented power over what people see, think, and believe.

Conclusion

The evolution of Psy Ops from wartime censorship to algorithmic manipulation marks a profound shift in the relationship between citizens and information. In 2025, the machinery of information control is more pervasive and sophisticated than ever before. Understanding these dynamics is the first step toward reclaiming agency over what we read, share, and believe. In this environment, scepticism toward all media sources is not only justified—it is essential.

This article draws on historical examples and contemporary analysis to provide a factual foundation for understanding the reality of modern psychological operations and information control.