Functions

The core functions of the information manipulation taxonomy
Author
Affiliation

E. Rosalie Li

Information Epidemiology Lab

Published

February 17, 2026

Functions describe the strategic purpose behind information manipulation operations. Each function encompasses multiple mechanisms that serve that purpose.

Command and Control

Command and Control refers to the mechanisms and structures that establish authority, trust, and decision-making power
Legitimation

Legitimation functions aim to establish credibility and support for the regime by creating the appearance of voluntary alignment, scholarly endorsement, and widespread…
Longevity

Longevity is the self-preservation mechanism of influence systems—ensuring that operations outlast their creators, maintain plausible deniability, and evolve faster than…
Obfuscation

Obfuscation involves using covert or seemingly independent entities, like shell organizations or paid influencers, to conceal the true origin or purpose of messages…
Operational Multipliers

Operational Multipliers are assets, actors, or techniques that amplify and extend the reach and influence of existing information structures, such as media partnerships…
Projection Abroad

Projection Abroad refers to the use of various instruments—such as diaspora mobilization, aid, cyber operations, cultural networks, and strategic deals—to extend a nation’s…
Sabotage

Sabotage functions are explicitly destructive actions aimed at destabilizing, dividing, or degrading adversaries through tactics like corruption, disinformation, and covert…
Spillover

Spillover refers to the unintentional or secondary spread of regime narratives or tactics through external media, actors, or channels, extending influence without direct…
Suppressing Dissent

The systematic targeting of individuals, organizations, and information channels that challenge regime narratives, policies, or legitimacy through coercive measures—from…
No matching items

FIMI Taxonomy by Information Epidemiology Lab.

Citation

BibTeX citation:
@article{li2026,
  author = {Li, E. Rosalie},
  title = {Functions},
  date = {2026-02-17},
  url = {https://fimi.infoepi.org/function/},
  langid = {en}
}
For attribution, please cite this work as:
Li, E. Rosalie. 2026. “Functions,” February. https://fimi.infoepi.org/function/.