In the digital realm, the clash between messaging apps Signal and Telegram has taken an unexpected turn. What started as a debate among cybersecurity and privacy enthusiasts has now been overshadowed by a manufactured controversy fueled by online conspiracy theories and smear campaigns.

Signal, an app known for its end-to-end encryption and focus on privacy, has long been favored by users concerned about their personal information. On the other hand, Telegram offers broadcast channels and messaging but lacks default end-to-end encryption. This debate, often confined to niche online spaces, gained broader attention recently when it caught the interest of Elon Musk's enormous following of 183 million.

The controversy surrounding Signal and Telegram escalated due to another unrelated issue: an essay by Uri Berliner, a former editor at NPR, accusing the news organization of catering to a subset of left-wing America. Conservative activists seized on this opportunity and began digging into the background of NPR's new chief executive, Katherine Maher.

Discovering Maher's tweets with progressive inclinations, right-wing activist Chris Rufo spearheaded a campaign calling for her immediate firing. However, the smear campaign soon took a sinister turn as Rufo and others moved into the realm of conspiracy theories. They alleged that Maher, who sits on the board of the Signal Foundation, was a "regime-change agent" with links to the deep state, connecting her role at Signal to online rumors and insinuations.

Rufo's tactics included the Transitive Property of Bad People, which relies on guilt by association without explicit accusations. Maher's connection to Signal's board, in the eyes of conspiracy theorists, now raised questions about the integrity of the encrypted messaging app itself. Rufo alleged that Signal's grant from the US government, along with the progressive backgrounds of its chief executive and Maher, cast doubt on Signal's security and privacy commitments.

The spread of innuendo and vague accusations gained further traction when Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey lent their support to the allegations without providing any evidence. Musk questioned Signal's integrity, while Dorsey boosted Rufo's article.

In response to these claims, Signal's CEO emphasized that the app's code is open-source and undergoes rigorous scrutiny from the security and privacy community. Maher's role on the board, regardless of personal beliefs or involvement, could not compromise the app's encryption. Yet, the power of influential figures like Musk to stimulate discussion based on dubious claims made it a topic of conversation for millions.

As the controversy grew, Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, capitalized on the situation by promoting Telegram as "the only popular method of communication that is verifiably private." However, cryptography experts, security researchers, and journalists warned against the risks of relying on Telegram for secure communication, highlighting its attempt to lure activists away from Signal.

Amidst these second-order manufactroversies, the original debate regarding NPR's alleged bias appears almost trivial. However, the consequences of these smear campaigns and conspiracy theories are real. The reputational damage suffered by those targeted is difficult to undo, and the potential shift towards less secure messaging alternatives like Telegram poses risks for activists worldwide.

To counteract these campaigns, it is crucial to support the targets of bad-faith attacks and encourage institutions to speak up promptly against unfounded allegations. Media literacy efforts should focus on educating the public about the mechanics of smear campaigns, highlighting rhetorical tricks, tropes, and the lack of evidence behind conspiracy theories. By fostering a deeper understanding of these tactics, we can render them less effective and preserve trust in companies and institutions.