The art of deception across centuries

Disinformation is not an invention of the internet. It has been spreading since ancient times—in the form of rumors, legends, and deliberately distorted stories. What changes, however, are the tools, speed, and reach. Today, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter being written by artificial intelligence.
This lecture traces the development of manipulation and propaganda techniques over time—from oral tradition through mass media to sophisticated social media campaigns. Using concrete examples, it shows what they have in common, how they differ, and what challenges the future holds.

Who is Tomáš Kolomazník

Tomáš Kolomazník is co-founder and director of the consulting firm Center for Security Consulting. He specializes in security policy, the defense industry, cyber and information security. He is a member of the security community at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy Alumni Association. He participates in international projects, speaks at conferences, and publishes on security topics both domestically and abroad. In the past, he worked at the Ministry of Defense. Currently, he is also involved in teaching, mainly at private universities. He is co-author of the book "Why we believe disinformation?", published in our country and in London, and the book Deceptions and manipulation across the centuries, published this year in Prague.