Infowars

Infowars was established in 1999 by Alex Jones as an internet-based media platform focusing on conspiracy theories, government corruption, and alternative interpretations of current events. The outlet grew from a local Austin, Texas radio show into a multimedia operation including a website, online store, and syndicated radio program reaching millions of listeners at its peak.

The platform gained prominence during the early 2000s by promoting theories about the September 11 attacks, claiming government involvement in the terrorist attacks and challenging the official narrative. Infowars also popularized theories about the Bohemian Grove secret society, New World Order conspiracies, and various claims about elite globalist manipulation of world events.

Infowars' business model combined content distribution with product sales, marketing nutritional supplements, survival gear, and books through its online store. The operation employed dozens of staff members and generated millions in annual revenue through advertising and direct sales, demonstrating the commercial viability of conspiracy-oriented media.

The outlet faced increasing scrutiny for promoting false information about mass shooting events, particularly the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Jones repeatedly claimed the tragedy was a "false flag" operation using "crisis actors," leading to harassment of victim families. These false claims resulted in multiple defamation lawsuits that ultimately awarded nearly $1.5 billion in damages to plaintiffs.

In 2018, Infowars was removed from major social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Apple Podcasts in coordinated deplatforming actions. The bans cited violations of terms of service related to harassment and hate speech. Jones filed for bankruptcy in 2022 amid the mounting legal judgments, though Infowars continues operating through alternative platforms and direct website access.