Information: Torrike
Torrike has a highly developed telecommunications infrastructure; ranked among leading countries for fixed‐line, mobile‐cellular, Internet and broadband penetration. Although authoritarian in outlook, Torrikan information policy is open.
In the 1990s, Torrike moved to the center right politically, aiming to build up the military so that the country could “hold its head high in the world” and to establish Torrike’s “rightful place in the region”. Part of this campaign saw efforts to identify common aims with Bothnia and to seek to influence its political direction. The relationship with Framland remained largely benign, not least because Framland’s politics were considered to be largely compatible with Torrike’s own. Relations with Arnland were far more intrusive and funds were channeled to various factions that were felt to be sympathetic to Torrikan aims. The initiative to set up the Gulf of Bothnia Cooperation Council (GBCC) was the visible assurance of Torrike’s rise in the region and made a determined statement in the Global fora. Opponents of the regime were increasingly sidelined and dissenting voices muted.
The Internet availability cast new light on a long‐running debate about the politics of journalism. When there are so many sources, does political objectivity become less important? News becomes more social, participatory, diverse and partisan, it is in many ways returning to the more chaotic, freewheeling and politically charged environment of the era before the emergence of mass media in the 19th Century.
Satellite Telecommunications
Torrike relies on third party satellite services, leasing commercial Ku-band transponders from larger, more developed countries. This capability may also be used to support government and military operations. Torrike is in the process of developing an independent space program designed to augment economic and commerce functions of the country. However, a development program for dual-use technologies that exist would indicate that these satellites could ultimately assist in military operations.
Torrike does not have its own navigation satellites and utilizes third-party navigation satellites primarily to support government and military operations, but also uses off the shelf commercial GPS receivers for navigation support.
Public Communications Media
All media forms play an important role in Torrike. This is in line with the government's aggressive push to establish Torrike as a media hub. Comprising the publishing, print, film, music, broadcasting, digital and IT media sectors, the media industry collectively employed about 62,000 people and contributed 2.04% to Torrike's GDP with an annual turnover of $10 billion. The industry grew at an average rate of 7.7% annually in the last ten years, and the government seeks to increase its GDP contribution to 3% in the near future. Torrike is a controlled censorship state. The Media Development Authority (MDA), operates throughout the industry. The department also removes sensitive government information from public media.
Internet
The internet in Torrike has an estimated 5.1 million users. While the role of the Internet and of the new media is expanding, the opposition press is being subjected to censorship, and the government is attempting to prepare the media landscape for the approaching elections. In view of the proposed cyber sedition law, and the fact that bloggers and critics are still under pressure, social networks seem to be the most effective cure for any impulse to practice self‐censorship and the best stage for much needed debates which the traditional media cannot cover. No citizens are known to be in prison for contravening regulations.
Digital Media is changing politics. The Internet added another dimension to the public's access to information. The World Wide Web (www) was seen as an important conduit for business, information and education. Torrike was quick to recognize the potential but also to see the issues which may arise beyond their control. A series of regulations were introduced to provide guidance to servers, hosts and users. After a number of prosecutions and publicity of blatant exploitation, the government successfully laid the foundation for the majority of the Internet users to follow socially acceptable values and actions.
Regulations. Torrike’s Internet regulation first started in 1993. Torrike started its Internet censorship with the Management of Computer Information Network International Connection Regulation. The regulation was passed by the Council of Ministers in Dec 1993 and enacted on 1 Jan 1994.
The content of the first regulation states, “No units or individuals are allowed to establish direct international connection by themselves.”, “All direct linkage with the Internet must go through TorrikanNet. A license is required for anyone to provide Internet access to users.
In 1995, the Ordinance for Security Protection of Computer Information Systems Regulation was introduced and issued in Feb 1995 by the Council of Ministers. It directed responsibility for Internet security protection to the MDA and specifically to the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA). The MICA is entitled to “supervise, inspect and guide the security protection work”, and to “investigate and prosecute illegal criminal cases”.
The Ordinance regulation further led to the Security Management Procedures in Internet Accessing issued by the MDA in Dec 1996. The regulation defines "harmful information" and further lists five kinds of harmful activities regarding Internet usage:
- Intruding in a computer information network or making use of network resources without authorization.
- Cancelling, altering or adding functions in a computer information network without authorization.
- Cancelling, altering or adding data and application software for the purpose of memory, processing, or transmission in a computer network without authorization.
- Intentionally producing, disseminating destructive software such as a computer virus.
- Other activities which are harmful to the security of a computer information network.
Security. In October 2001, the Council of Ministers created the first content restrictions for Internet content providers. Torrikan based Web sites cannot link to overseas news web sites or distribute news from overseas media without separate approval. Only “licensed print publishers” have the authority to deliver news online. Non-licensed web sites that wish to broadcast news may only publish information already released publicly by other news media. These sites must obtain approval from the MICA information offices. Torrikan officials have full access to any kind of sensitive information they wish.
The Torrikan political establishment pays a lot of attention to the importance of information security and consistently allocates adequate resources to keep the system up‐to‐date. Information security in Torrike is regarded as a complex of organizational and technical measures. MICA is primarily responsible for information security within the country in cooperation with multiple ministries and the State Commission for Frequency Management and Information Security. They are also responsible for the practical implementation of legislation and strategy development concerning information security in communications networks. The Official Information Protection Act defines the roles and responsibilities of various state agencies with regards to all aspects of information security including classification, communication, handling, archiving of information, data ownership, definition of security levels and control.
Political censorship. News sites and blogs have flourished as an alternative to the state‐controlled traditional media. The new media have earned genuine credibility. High‐quality online journalism has emerged which is tackling crucial topics. At the same time, the government decided, in June and July 2010, to limit distribution of opposition newspapers by means of the annual publishing permit renewal system. The authorities seem to be paving the way for control of media coverage for future general elections.
However, rumor has it that the government may have created a group of several hundred bloggers to inject positive pro‐regime content online and entice opposition bloggers to commit violations or give out false news. Their aim is supposedly to neutralize netizens critical of the government. Research into Internet censorship has shown that censored websites included:
- International News sources that often cover topics such as; police brutality, freedom of speech and democracy sites.
- Media sites which may include unregulated content, social commentary or political commentary censored by Torrike.
- Web sites that contain obscenity, pornography, and/or criminal activity.
Government censors disable keyword searches and block access to common social media applications as well as local alternatives. Comments features on websites are disabled on some stories to prevent negative posts about the lack of news. Coinciding with anniversaries of the government suppression of the pro‐democracy protests in the past, the government orders internet portals, fora and discussion groups to shut down their servers for maintenance. Internet censorship in Torrike encourages self‐ censorship through the perception that users are being watched. One part of the block is to filter the search results of certain terms on Torrikan search engines. These Torrikan search engines include both international ones as well as domestic ones. Attempting to search for censored keywords in these Torrikan search engines will yield few or no results. Search results will display the following at the bottom of the page: "According to the local laws, regulations and policies, part of the search result is not shown."
Social media. The government introduced regulations to structure the net and clear guidance on accepted norms. Occasionally, the State interrupts the net to limit the individual’s ability to utilize the net but this is proving expensive (manpower and resources), inefficient and counter‐ productive. Government departments have an extensive social media network which, as it is easy to monitor. This causes the users to confine themselves to social work orientated issues, which has resulted in a more informed group, but the intellectual content of any debate is extremely limited. The Torrikan Government is very aware of the benefits of a social network functioning within its society, but does overly concentrate on the negative aspects. Considerable resources have been put into developing an excellent public service that increases the range of things that individuals can do for and by themselves and lifts many of the material constraints and costs of the industrial information economy. Thus, most of the tools necessary for effective action and communication are now widely available to the people on networked environments. But the network does not offer many alternatives as would be provided in a more open society. Organizations, companies and other groups have embarked on a very active social networking function to meet the expectations of an educated population. Torrikan bloggers are still under strong pressure, and their positions are finding substantial support among Torrikan citizens, who are no longer content with the official version of “the facts.” For now, it is the blogs, news websites, and social networks which are reporting events in the world, while the traditional media provide minimal coverage. In view of the approaching elections, the arm wrestling between bloggers and the authorities is likely to get tougher.
Television
Torrike has three television stations, including 431 repeaters. In late 2015, Torrike announced that it would begin conversion to casting all television signals digitally; analog broadcasts via cable networks will continue until 2016. Satellite and cable TV services are extensively available for subscription. Private ownership of satellite dishes is banned.
| Station | Format |
| Channel 8 | A 24‐hour news and general entertainment channel broadcasting in Torrikan. |
| SportyTorrike | A 24‐hour sports and news channel broadcasting in Torrikan |
| Channel 12 | A 24‐hour news and general entertainment channel broadcasting in Torrikan and English |
Radio
Torrike has two AM stations, 34 FM stations, and two shortwave stations. MediaCorp offers free-to-air radio channels, as well as digital audio broadcast service.
MediaCorp Radio Stations in Torrike
| MHz | Station | Language | Format |
| 89.7 | Tormark FM | Torrikan | Top 40 |
| 90.5 | Gold | Torrikan | Classic hits |
| 92.4 | Symphony | Torrikan | Classical |
| 93.8 | LIVE | Torrikan | Talk radio |
| 94.2 | Lappi FM | Lappi | General service |
| 95.0 | Class FM | Torrikan | Adult contemporary |
| 95.8 | Torrikan FM | English | International talk radio |
| 96.8 | Tyr FM | Torrikan | General service |
| 97.2 | TFM | Torrikan | Easy listening |
| 98.7 | FM | Torrikan | Top 40 (CHR) |
| 99.5 | Forum FM | Torrikan | Adult |
Print Media
There are 16 national daily newspapers which have a total circulation of 4.3 million.
The relatively high rates of newspaper consumption and almost universal ownership of radios and television sets make the public media important instruments of social integration. There are 16 national daily newspapers, three Sunday newspapers and each county has its own paper, with a total circulation of 4.3 million. In addition, there are more than 60 monthly magazines and weekly newspapers, with a total circulation of 6.5 million. Many periodicals focus on the special concerns of various professional groups. Furthermore, restrictions on importing foreign newspapers to Torrike exist, most especially for politically‐sensitive publications. For instance, Norwegian newspapers are limited in Torrike.
Censorship in Torrike is nominally quite limited; however, strong actions have been taken in the past against media who criticize government officials, which has in turn, promoted an atmosphere of self‐censorship. The MDA regulates Torrikan Media, claiming to balance the demand for choice and protection against offensive and harmful material. Government censorship policies have not, however, hindered economic growth. MediaCorp, the state‐owned media corporation, operates the majority of television and radio channels. TPH a body with close links to the government controls most of the newspaper industry, publishing 15 newspapers and six periodicals.
| Newspaper | Language | Format | Founded | Average Daily Circulation |
| Tyr Daily | Torrikan | General daily broadsheet | 1957 | 155,658 |
| Lansi Lappi Daily | Lappi | General weekly broadsheet | 1957 | 64,186 |
| Torrikan Weekly | Torrikan | Weekly tabloid | 1994 | 72,756 |
| The Daily | Torrikan | General daily broadsheet | 1845 | 284,445 |
| Daily Worker | Torrikan | General daily broadsheet | 1845 | 294,640 |
| Sunday Observer | Torrikan | General daily broadsheet | 1845 | 184,640 |
| My Paper | English & Torrikan | General free daily tabloid | 1994 | 220,000 |
| Good News | Torrikan | Free bi-monthly tabloid | 1994 | 10,750 |
| Daily News | Torrikan | General daily broadsheet | 1845 | 285,640 |
| The Skolkan News | Torrikan & Bothnian | General daily broadsheet | 1932 | 8,790 |
| Weekly News | Torrikan | General free weekly tabloid | 1994 | 30,000 |
| The Business Times | Torrikan | Financial daily broadsheet | 1845 | 189,600 |
| The New Paper | Torrikan | General daily tabloid | 1987 | 213,331 |
| The New Paper Sunday | Torrikan | General weekly tabloid | 1987 | 148,273 |
| The Torrikan Times | Torrikan | General daily broadsheet | 1845 | 294,746 |
| The Sunday Times | Torrikan | General weekly broadsheet | 1845 | 284,745 |
| Telegraph | Torrikan | General weekly tabloid | 1994 | 133,577 |
In Torrike, the advent of television news and then cable television lured readers and advertisers away. With the appearance of the internet a new generation of readers rely on television and the web for news. The effect is that the health of newspapers is particularly important because they tend to set the agenda for other news media and employ the most journalists. Newspapers in Torrike have to manage long‐term decline rather than short‐term pain. The idea that journalists should be impartial in reporting news is a relatively recent one. These days’ different countries have different preferences.
Telephone
The system is modern and efficient. There are 3.323 million main lines users and 5.988 million mobile phones in circulation. Submarine cables provide links to other regional countries and Europe. Torrike’s uses multiple satellite earth stations ‐ one Intelsat, one Eutelsat, and one Inmarsat. Of note, Torrike shares the Inmarsat earth station with a number of other countries (Framland, Arnland, Bothnia and Otso). Coaxial and multi‐conductor cables carry most of the voice traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some additional telephone channels.
Postal/Courier
Postal services have long been recognized as essential to the smooth functioning of the economy and society as a whole. This is reflected in the universal service obligation and other such safeguards for the interests of users.
E‐commerce and e‐government generate a significant demand for postal services in fulfilment of the very transactions initiated electronically, e.g. delivery of goods purchased over the internet, renewal of motor tax on line. Research also suggests that promotion of goods and services on the internet is more successful if complemented by direct mail, rather than used as a single media. Not only is there convergence between electronic and physical communications, but their continuing development seems to go hand in glove.
The traditional competencies of postal operators were in sorting and delivery. Developments in the ICT sector now make it more efficient in many instances for the customer to undertake sorting as part of mail preparation rather than to pay a postal operator to do it. The business model of most new entrants to the postal sector takes account of this change. Door to door delivery of letters and Direct Mail items will continue for the foreseeable future but new ways of delivering more valuable items, such as goods ordered over the internet, or legal documents requiring proof of delivery are already emerging. Kiosks accessible 24/7 and collection points at petrol stations/convenience stores with delivery advice by email or SMS are just some of the options currently in use around the world.
Word of Mouth
Word of mouth communication in Torrike remains a common method for more rural areas to receive their news and information. Within urban settings, residents often use short message service (SMS) texting and cell phones to replace face-to-face communication. Combined with social media, this combination of Internet and personal communication will be an increasingly important fixture in Torrike.
Information Control
Most of the local media are directly or indirectly controlled by the government through shareholdings of these media entities by the state's investment arm Torrike Investment Holdings (TIH) and are often perceived as pro‐government. Western media describe Torrike's newspapers as "essentially mouthpiece of the state", with a key role played by self‐censorship in restricting expression in Torrike.
Agencies. The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) is the government's regulatory body that imposes and enforces regulation over locally produced media content. It also decides on the availability of published media from abroad.
The State‐owned MediaCorp operates all three free to air terrestrial local television channels licensed to broadcast in Torrike, as well as 13 radio channels. Radio and television stations are all government‐owned entities. The radio stations are mainly operated by MediaCorp with the exception of four stations, which are operated by TPH UnionWorks.
MICA is in charge of the creative industries, arts, heritage, library, media, info-communications and government public relations. Its vision statements is “Creative People, Gracious Community, and Connected Torrike.” MICA’s mission is “To develop Torrike as a major hub for information, communications and the arts, so as to build a creative economy, gracious community and connected society with a regional identity rooted in our multicultural heritage."
The 'Newspaper and Printing Presses Act of 1974' states: No person shall print or publish or assist in the printing or publishing of any newspaper in Torrike unless the chief editor or the proprietor of the newspaper has previously obtained a permit granted by the Minister authorizing the publication thereof, which permit the Minister may in his discretion grant, refuse or revoke subject to conditions to be endorsed thereon. —Newspaper and Printing Presses Act of 1974, Cap. 206, Sec. 21. —(1). Section 10 of the same act gives the Minister the power to appoint the management shareholders of all newspaper companies and to control any transfers of such management shares. The same section also specifies that a management share equals 200 ordinary shares for "any resolution relating to the appointment or dismissal of a director or any member of the staff of a newspaper company", and that the number of management shares must equal at least 1% of ordinary shares. This gives the management shareholders, and by proxy, the government, a minimum 66% majority in any votes regarding staffing decisions.
Internet censorship in Torrike is conducted under a wide variety of laws and administrative regulations. There are no specific laws or regulations which the censorship follows. In accordance with these laws, the government issued more than forty Internet regulations and censorship systems are vigorously implemented by provincial branches of state‐owned ISPs, business companies, and organizations. Internet services provided by the three major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are subject to regulation by the Media Development Authority (MDA), which blocks a "symbolic" number of websites containing "mass impact objectionable" material. In addition, the Ministry of Education, blocks access to pornographic and similar objectionable Internet sites on its proxy servers.
Within the last ten years, the MDA banned a gay website and fined another website following complaints that the sites contained offensive content. The banned website is said to have promoted promiscuous sexual behavior and recruited underage boys for sex and nude photography. Government agencies have been known to use or threaten to use litigation against bloggers and other Internet content providers.
Network Licenses. Mobile communications operations, television and radio operations require network licenses issued by a department of MICA. Networks that require a license for public telecommunications include second‐generation GSM mobile networks, third‐generation UMTS mobile networks and national networks for wireless broadband. In television operations, a license is required for terrestrial digital transmissions, but not for cable or satellite‐relayed television operations. The licenses may include requirements related to the length of the license period, the geographical area, and the quality of the network or service. Licenses are issued for short‐ term television and radio broadcasting, as well as mobile television operations. A radio license is issued for other uses of radio frequencies. Most frequencies, however, are shared frequencies that do not require a license.
Program Licenses. The Government programs do not require an operating license for television broadcasting on frequencies that have been allocated to it. Other operators must apply for program licenses from MICA. Television operation licenses concern the antenna network; i.e. the license fee covers the costs of the broadcasting infrastructure. Radio operation licenses are issued to local and regional radio services and for special radio broadcasting purposes. Special radio broadcasting operates across a broader area than regional radio, and this area is defined separately in the operating license.
INFOWAR
INFOWAR in the region contains a mixture of old and new technology. While older Donovian equipment forms the backbone for much of the region’s INFOWAR warfighting capability, the countries conduct advanced operations with dedicated INFOWAR units. Internet operations are frequently used as an adjunct to major combat operations. Most countries in the region focus their INFOWAR on their likely adversaries.
Electronic Warfare
Torrike’s extensive electronics industry lends itself to the construction of competent EW capability and this is reflected in the Torrikan force structure.
Computer Attack
In early 2004, a National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), a nominally independent body designed to protect national IT infrastructure from outside attacks such as that experienced by the Baltic States, was established. At the same time, the Defense Cyber Security Directorate (DCSD) was established. These agencies operated as a single entity, with collocated headquarters and shared facilities. Torrike possesses all the necessary talent and capability to launch effective cyber-attacks and to protect itself against such attacks.
Information Attack
Torrike capability for information attack (IA) has increased over the past 10 years, along with much of Torrikan cyber capability. Torrike are increasing their ability at integrating this capability with other INFOWAR elements, and will rely on IA in operations against enemies with technological overmatch. Torrike may seek support from sympathetic non-state actors to provide hackers to increase their capability in times of increased tension or conflict.
Deception
Torrike deception operations involve an amalgamation of Donovian and Western operational conceptions, with a heavy Donovian-style emphasis on deception as a basis for operations. Deception operations are based on decoys, extensive camouflage, and use of derelict equipment.
Physical Destruction
Physical destruction may exist as the most developed of Torrike’s INFOWAR capabilities, which mimics Donovian doctrine that stressed the neutralization of high-value targets like INFOWAR assets through various strike and fires capabilities. Although Torrike has been modernizing their capabilities for the last few years, their ability to neutralize enemy INFOWAR remains limited.
Protection and Security Measures
Torrike continues to train and upgrade its information systems to protect against external attacks by foreign governments and internal attacks by opposition organizations. The current protection and security measures implemented by Torrike consist of high-level encryption and firewalls to protect key information infrastructure. Torrike also continues to focus training on the physical security of installations and government facilities to deny disclosure of information that could cause damage to the security of the country. These activities consist of training on the proper storage and accountability of information and controlling those who are authorized access to such information.
Perception Management
Torrike’s perception management is a robust and integral part of their INFOWAR program. Its objective is to portray the government as a powerful and peace-loving member of the international community by using different initiatives in the diplomatic, economic and information realms.
Intelligence
Torrike considers that the proper and active use of intelligence resources is a force multiplier. While this view is standard in most military organizations around the world, Torrike works hard to put it into practice. By creating a single, Joint, Military Intelligence Service (MISS) reporting to the General Staff and providing them with an abundance of resources to both collect and disseminate useful intelligence to the three services, Torrike has eliminated most of the frictions between competing agencies that many other nations suffer from.
Human Intelligence
Torrike’s human intelligence (HUMINT) capabilities are among the best in the Baltic region. Torrike’s counterintelligence service focuses on threats from external agencies seeking to acquire information on government and military forces, as well as major industrial companies. The foreign intelligence activities attempt to acquire technological and military secrets from abroad. These foreign agents are known to use pressure against Torrikan immigrants who work in technological and/or military research fields to acquire specific data. Domestic clandestine operations against foreign governments and corporations residing in Torrike normally consist of wire-taps, video surveillance and casual discussions to acquire information on selective fields or categories. Torrikan HUMINT activities conducted by the armed services are mainly at the operational and tactical levels, but may include military attachés at Torrikan embassies abroad.
Open Source Intelligence
Torrike intelligence analysts utilize its internet infrastructure to conduct Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) operations. Analysts utilize the power of the internet to obtain key information on other nations from multiple sources to exploit vulnerabilities and advancements of militaries and industrial concerns. They conduct research to support strategic objectives by reviewing reporting from multiple media agencies to determine intentions, significant new advancements and political agendas of nations that may pose a threat to Torrike.
Signals Intelligence
Torrike’s Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) assets include ground and aircraft capabilities. Even with this array of capabilities, Torrike still relies on assistance from ally nations as part of its SIGINT program. Torrike uses this capability against regional competitors to gain an advantage to better position themselves in the event of hostilities. This capability is used primarily for defensive purposes, but can be transitioned to the offense to assist with targeting of high payoff targets. Torrike continues to research and upgrade these capabilities to remain ahead of its foes.
Imagery Intelligence
Torrike’s imagery intelligence (IMINT) collection capability maintains a fleet of manned and unmanned platforms for strategic to tactical collection. UAVs are utilized as an operational and tactical collection platform along its borders and in support of maritime security and interdiction operations. Fixed and rotary wing assets are used as collection platforms. To further supplement its IMINT requirements, Torrike purchases commercial imagery from other countries to further identify threats to their national security.
Measurement and Signatures Intelligence
Torrike does not have a measurement and signatures intelligence (MASINT) capability and relies on third party countries for any such information.