Glen Wise’s Post

Platforms we use to connect with others are often weaponized to spread violent content for radicalization and propaganda. Last week's terrorist attack in Moscow is just one example. How should #TrustAndSafety teams respond? In this blog, Cinder co-founder Brian F. examined the complexities of countering terrorism on digital platforms, drawing on his deep expertise and study of terrorism. What's covered: - Historical use of digital platforms by extremists and evolving terrorist strategies - The balance between preventing violence and maintaining freedom of speech - The role of Trust & Safety teams in navigating these challenges - Importance of cross-industry collaboration and intelligence-driven operations Learn more on the blog: https://lnkd.in/epa7gNP9

Fivecast, a global provider of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) solutions, share their expertise on the terrorism landscape in the UK and Europe and how OSINT can significantly enhance law enforcement efforts and resources to keep our communities safe. ❝As attacks escalate, the need for law enforcement and government agencies to recognize the threat posed by right-wing terrorism (RWT) groups and take proactive action is more critical than ever. However, assessing online activity and the narratives of persons or groups of interest can be challenging and time-consuming, due to the vast amount of data analysts must collect, filter and analyse across the Surface, Deep and Dark Web.❞ - Joseph Miller, Policing and Government lead, Fivecast [ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE] https://lnkd.in/dDWnSg_h #lawenforcement #policing #police #counterterrorism #OSINT

Europe and the UK have been facing a resurgence in Right-Wing Terrorism (RWT) in recent years, with an eruption in white supremacism, anti-immigration and anti-government violence. In this article for CT Insight, a Fivecast Tradecraft Advisor shares his expertise on the terrorism landscape in the region, and how efforts to monitor risks online are assisted by open-source intelligence. Read on: https://lnkd.in/eScWACBZ #osint #terrorism

In the latest must-read publication from the Atlantic Initiative, Dr. Charlie Winter, a renowned expert in #terrorist and #insurgent strategic communication, unveils the shifting digital landscape of ISIL in the post-caliphate era. "ONLINE PRESENCE OF ISIL FOLLOWING ITS FALL" not only captures the essence of how ISIL continues to wield influence online but also offers a critical examination of the group's strategic adaptability in the face of global counter-terrorism efforts. With contributions from editor Nejra Veljan and language editor Kimberly Storr, this 2024 paper sheds light on the nuanced ways ISIL leverages technology to sustain its narrative and operations across the globe. From the depths of encrypted communications to the forefront of digital finance, Winter navigates the complex web of ISIL's online presence with precision and insight. What Sets This Study Apart? Strategic Shifts: Winter uncovers ISIL's tactical pivot towards leveraging digital platforms, emphasizing its sustained, innovative approach to ensure its ideology and operational capabilities continue to thrive globally. Operational Insights: Through the lens of ExTrac’s cutting-edge analytics, the study maps out ISIL's nuanced engagement strategies online, from propaganda dissemination to the orchestration of global terror campaigns. Emerging Threats: A forward-looking perspective on the challenges posed by ISIL's digital savviness, highlighting potential innovations in artificial intelligence and encryption that could redefine the landscape of digital terrorism. Why This Matters to Us? As professionals navigating an increasingly interconnected digital world, understanding the implications of ISIL's online persistence is critical. This research not only underscores the complexities of current counter-terrorism efforts but also calls for a multidisciplinary approach to mitigate the evolving digital threats. Explore the full paper at the Atlantic Initiative for comprehensive insights into the digital resurgence of ISIL and the #forwardthinking strategies to counter it: https://lnkd.in/dce7irKi #Terrorism #CounterTerrorism #Extremism #Criminology #DigitalPropaganda #ArtificialIntelligence #CyberSecurity #InformationWarfare

📝 Tackling terrorist content online: Propaganda and content moderation. This paper explores how the tech industry deals with online terrorist and violent extremist content ➕ the challenges and opportunities for improvement. This is part of a collaboration between Tech Against Terrorism Europe and NOTIONES Project. Authored by our consortium partners Stuart Macdonald (Director, Cyber Threats Research Centre - Swansea University) and Andrew Staniforth (Director, SAHER (Europe)). Read in full here: https://lnkd.in/eeMaCY87 Dublin City University, Ghent University, The JOS Project , LMU Munich – Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, SAHER (Europe), Swansea University, Tech Against Terrorism #TATEurope #Terrorism #Counterterrorism #Extremism #OnlineCounterterrorism #OnlineRegulation #TCO #EUTCO

Excellent work by Charis Rice and colleagues on counter-terrorism strategic communications. Frame, Fame and Fear Traps "Informed by frame analysis of campaign assets, practitioner interviews and public focus groups, the discussion pivots around three high-profile UK public messaging campaigns. A “fear trap” occurs when counter-terrorism messages seek to “outbid” other risks in order to capture public attention, thereby unintentionally creating the negative emotional reactions sought through acts of terrorism, or overly-reassuring messages that induce public disengagement. In contrast, a “fame trap” results from creating “too much” public awareness of terrorism, by using commercial marketing logics." https://lnkd.in/eXyxTZ3H

Benjamin Mok and I have published an article on the evolution of counterterrorism research. Our focus is on the barriers of entry into the field and how some researchers overcome them. I also discuss how the highly accessible ChatGPT's low-/no-code programming can further reduce barriers of entry for terrorism researchers. Nevertheless, quality data and a solid foundation of theories and contextual knowledge remain essential for researchers. Check out our article here: https://lnkd.in/gbXe8qwf

West Mercia Local Resilience Forum will be hosting a Knowledge Exchange Network Webinar with guest speakers from the Home Office on the new CONTEST Strategy 2023 as well as updates on Martyn’s Law. This is a free event and open to those who work in civil protection and resilience. The event is scheduled for 1000-1200 on Wednesday 18 October. Knowledge Exchange Networks (KENs) are virtual sessions with the main objective of increasing awareness and knowledge on a contemporary theme, reviewing case studies, research, new guidance, or initiatives, as well as roles and responsibilities of various organisations surrounding the theme. SPEAKERS CONTEST Unit, Home Office Martyn’s Law Team, Home Office AIM This session will provide an overview of CONTEST 2023, the UK’s Counter Terrorism Strategy. OBJECTIVES Increase awareness of CONTEST 2023, the UK’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy Improve understanding of how the threat from terrorism has changed since 2018 Improve knowledge of the CONTEST Framework (Prevent, Pursue, Protect and Prepare) and the UK’s counter-terrorism response Increase awareness of Martyn’s Law i.e. Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Draft Bill, as part of the Protect objective The registration for this event is available via WMLRF’s Knowledge Exchange Network ResilienceDirect Page, to ensure a level of inherent vetting in line with the RD Registration requirements: https://lnkd.in/e_kUSnCa If you have any issues in accessing the page please email wmlrfsecretariat@westmercia.police.uk Please note this session will not be recorded. Due to the expected interest, questions are to be submitted when you register for the event (included in the Sign-Up Form). Please note that the attendance list will be shared with the speakers for their reporting on engagement activities.

Of course deradicalization doesn't always work. A sound deradicalization program needs to learn how individuals become radicalized. Both radicalization & deradicalization lean heavily on family or other social ties & the Internet is increasingly playing a large role in both. A particularly striking feature of radicalization today is that it happens primarily over the Internet. An individual does not need to have prior contact with a terrorist group or have ever traveled to those countries where the group is active, to become directly involved with terrorism. As we have seen with cases in the US & the July 2005 bombings in London, terrorists are often radicalized “remotely,” sometimes through the Internet alone. This trend of “self-recruitment” has moved many governments & NGOs to look more closely at the Internet’s role in both terrorism & counter-terrorism. Individuals who are generally more susceptible to radicalization are those who have a combination of the following characteristics: trusting a person already involved with a radical group; being “spiritually hungry” & dedicated to their faith, but having limited knowledge of their religion; & being desperate, naïve, or simply in need of money. Those seeking to recruit such people try to cater to their needs & interests During the process of radicalization, the “target’s” characteristics are identified to determine their suitability for terrorism. They are then engaged in dialogue, befriended & their social, financial, or psychological needs are addressed as a means of gaining their trust. This part of the process closely resembles the initial steps taken in many deradicalization programs. However, throughout the recruitment process, radical groups will often isolate the targeted individual & “educate” them about the cause. If they refuse to participate in violence, they may then be asked to do something seemingly innocuous, like renting a car or an apartment to help out the group. This act is then leveraged to elicit continued participation. They may be told that “security forces now know about you & may torture you.” The targeted individual is consequently drawn closer to the radical group. For more information about rehabilitation & deradicalization, read my article titled, "The danger of deception & disguised compliance in terrorist rehabilitation programs" posted here on Linkedin on 30 May 2023.