Is the US at greater risk now that the Global Engagement Center has shut down?

The Global Engagement Center (GEC), a U.S. government agency, ceased operations on December 23, 2024, following a failure to secure funding in Congress. Established in 2016, the GEC was responsible for tracking and countering foreign disinformation, particularly from adversaries like Russia and China. Its closure comes amid increasing concerns from experts regarding the threat posed by disinformation campaigns in contemporary society, highlighting a significant gap in U.S. capabilities to address such challenges without a dedicated office for these purposes. The agency had an annual budget of approximately $61 million and around 120 personnel who worked towards monitoring misinformation. The decision to shut down the GEC was heavily influenced by Republican lawmakers who have long criticized the agency, accusing it of engaging in censorship and overstepping its mandate. In recent years, the GEC faced allegations pertaining to domestic surveillance as it reportedly scrutinized American citizens, which exacerbated existing tensions regarding the balance between national security and freedom of speech. The agency's funding was omitted from the final version of a bipartisan federal spending bill, marking a notable shift in legislative support for government-run disinformation tracking efforts. With its closing, experts are left questioning how the State Department will manage foreign disinformation without a dedicated framework in place. The GEC had also collaborated with various intelligence and defense agencies, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of information warfare tactics and strategies emanating from adversarial states. The loss of this center has raised alarm bells, especially given the escalating nature of global disinformation efforts that could undermine public trust and knowledge. The disappearance of the GEC signifies an abandonment of a proactive approach to combatting misinformation and protecting democratic processes. In response to the agency's shutdown, the State Department has said it is consulting with Congress regarding next steps and the future of the GEC’s staff and ongoing projects. The situation has ignited discussions about the importance of continuing efforts to face disinformation and whether private sector capabilities can fill the void left by the GEC. Some critics of the GEC argue that many of its functions can be replicated by private entities, casting doubt on the necessity of a government-led initiative, while others believe that adequate oversight is essential to ensure robust national security measures without compromising civil liberties.