Tech Against Terrorism

Accelerationism is no longer a fringe theory - it's become a dangerous ideological driver behind a growing number of real-world terrorist attacks. Rooted in the belief that societal collapse should be sped up to bring new world order, this radical worldview has been adopted by extremists across the spectrum - from the far-right to violent anarchists.In this episode, host Lucas Webber is joined by Ben Makuch, national security reporter and contributor to The Guardian and Peter Smith, an independent researcher and journalist with the Canadian Anti Hate Network. They unpack where accelerationist narratives started, and how the rise of the digital age has helped spread them. They also examine why this ideology appeals to violent actors - and the challenges law enforcement faces in countering the threat.

Once a revolutionary manufacturing innovation, 3D printing has become a double-edged sword. While the technology is driving progress across sectors like medicine and aerospace, it's also being exploited to produce untraceable, homemade firearms.In this episode, host Lucas Webber is joined by Yannick Veilleux-Lepage, Assistant Professor at the Royal Military College of Canada and a leading expert on the intersection of terrorism and emerging technologies. Together, they explore how 3D-printed weapons are being used by extremist actors, how online communities are spreading firearm blueprints, and why policymakers are struggling to respond to this growing security challenge.

The Islamic State, once a local insurgency rooted in Iraq and Syria, has transformed into a global network with far-reaching influence. In this episode of the podcast, we chart how its operations have expanded beyond the Middle East, as the group leveraged technology, propaganda, and local affiliates to spread its ideology across borders. Host Lucas Webber is joined by Aaron Zelin, a Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and founder of the widely acclaimed website, Jihadology. Aaron explains how The General Directorate of Provinces, a global hierarchy structure responsible for overseeing and coordinating Islamic State's global affiliates, is central to much of the group's expansion.

Unmanned aerial vehicles - better known as drones - are transforming modern warfare. As the technology becomes more accessible to the general public, it also becomes easier for bad actors to exploit. From surveillance and reconnaissance to weaponised drone attacks, extremist groups are increasingly using this technology to enhance their operational capabilities.In this episode of the Tech Against Terrorism podcast, host Lucas Webber speaks to Don Rassler, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Combating Terrorism Center at the US Military Academy at West Point. Together, they discuss how drones are being leveraged by terrorist organisations, the evolving threat landscape, and the countermeasures being developed to mitigate these risks.The views expressed by the guest in this podcast are his and do not necessarily reflect those of the Combating Terrorism Center, United States Military Academy, Department of Defense, or U.S. Government.

Video games are increasingly being leveraged as powerful tools in the fight against extremism. Counter-terrorism practitioners are using these "serious games" to enhance critical thinking and decision-making by immersing participants in realistic scenarios that mirror real-world security challenges.In this episode of the Tech Against Terrorism podcast, host Lucas Webber is joined by Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, Founder & CEO of Valens Games and an internationally recognised expert on political violence, alongside Eleanor Ross, Director of Game Design at Valens Games. Together, they discuss how immersive wargames and AI-driven narrative simulations are shaping the future of intelligence and counter-terrorism training.

Terrorist activity in Central Asia traces its roots back to the Soviet era - but following the collapse of the USSR in the 1990s, suppressed religious movements evolved into underground Islamist networks, fuelling the rise of jihadist groups in the region. Today, Central Asia faces an increasingly complex terrorism landscape. In this episode of the podcast, Lucas Webber speaks to Bruce Pannier, a Central Asia Fellow at the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a veteran journalist covering the region. Together, they explore the origins of jihadism in Central Asia, the rise of Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) there, and the potential impact of the Assad government's fall in Syria in 2024 on regional jihadist movements. We also hear about the role the internet has played for terrorist networks there. 

Emerging technologies like 3D printing, drones, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the threat landscape, giving terrorists new tools to carry out attacks, spread propaganda, and fund their operations. But the risks don't stop there. On the horizon are technologies like quantum computing and more, which experts warn could be the next frontier for exploitation.Join Lucas Webber as he explores more about these emerging technologies with internationally renowned terrorism expert Colin Clarke, Director of Research at The Soufan Center. And Clara Broekaert, a Research Fellow at The Soufan Center. 

From buying weapons to funding attacks and recruiting new members, terrorist organisations need money to carry out their activities. But how do they raise, store and transfer finances? And what lessons can counter-terrorism teams learn from tracking terrorist money?  Join Lucas Webber as he discusses all this and more with internationally renowned terrorism finance expert Dr. Jessica Davis, president and principal consultant at Insight Threat Intelligence.

In this week's episode we're looking at how IS and al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist groups in Southeast Asia continue to exploit online platforms to disseminate propaganda, even as attacks in the region decline. We explore the history of militant Islamist activities in the region, as well as the key players; Why and how these groups and their supporters focus so much of their energy on online propaganda; And why we should care when terrorist content stays online.A note: we recorded this episode before the announcement by leaders of the Jemaah Islamiyah, or JI, of the group's disbandment. It's one of the main groups we explore in this episode.Archie Macfarlane is joined by Dr. Judith Jacob. She is the director of Geopolitical Risk and Security Intelligence at Forward Global, a corporate intelligence and influence group. She also holds a PhD on Ideology, Terrorism, and Militant Islamism.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on X, where you can find resources on this topic. Resources:Dr. Judith Jacob's research at LSE

In this week's episode, we're returning to the topic of incels to explore the online spaces aiming to help individuals leave this violent misogynistic community. We start by providing a refresher on incel ideology, but if you want a deep dive we recommend first listening to the episode linked below. This time, we focus on tools for deradicalisation, the benefits and limitations of support-focused Reddit forums like r/inceltears and r/incelexit, and consider why it is so difficult to leave the incelosphere.Archie Macfarlane is joined by Allysa Czerwinsky, a PhD candidate at the University of Manchester, who specialises in male supremacist communities online.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on X, where you can find resources on this topic. Resources:Allysa Czerwinsky's researchTAT Podcast: Incels, Online Misogyny and Gender-Based Violence

In this week's episode we're looking at the spread and normalisation of anti-LGBTQ+ hate online, and its dramatic, real-life consequences. The hysteria promoted by extremists around a so-called gay or trans agenda has led to a societal and legislative backlash for LGBTQ+ people in the US. And the hate has festered in the most mainstream of online spaces. We discuss some of the conspiracy theories against LGBTQ+ people, the link between online and offline violence, and what tech companies can do to protect this marginalised community.Archie Macfarlane is joined by Sarah Moore, the senior manager of news and research at GLAAD, a non-profit LGBTQ+ advocacy organisation, based in the US.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on X, where you can find resources on this topic. Resources:GLAAD's Social Media Safety Index

There has been a lot of concern about how cryptocurrencies are used by terrorist groups to finance their operations, especially since Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7th. So in this week's episode, we're investigating that question – do terrorist groups actually use cryptocurrency? We discuss what is known about terrorist financing, where the hysteria around cryptocurrency comes from, and the challenges around adopting more effective international countermeasures.Archie Macfarlane is joined by Stephen Reimer, an Associate Fellow with the Centre for Finance and Security at the Royal United Services Institute's (RUSI). He is also an Adjunct Professor at the SciencesPo Paris School of International Affairs, where he lectures on financial intelligence and security.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on X, where you can find resources on this topic. Resources:Stephen Reimer's research at RUSITAT Podcast: Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K): A Growing Threat?TAT Podcast: Media Jihad: Islamic State's Resurgent Propaganda Network

In this week's episode, we're getting unique insights into the state of the far-right in the UK. The advocacy and research organisation HOPE Not Hate is known for its tireless work countering extremism and hate through research, intelligence, campaigning and community engagement. This work has involved infiltrating and exposing extremist movements and even terrorist groups. HOPE Not Hate recently published their State of Hate 2024 report, which we discuss in detail in the episode. Archie Macfarlane is joined by Patrik Hermansson, a senior researcher from HOPE Not Hate. We learn what it's like to go undercover in an extremist group, and the risks associated with it. We explore how far-right extremism has evolved over the years, the role of social media, and the wider societal drivers of hate.  You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on X, where you can find resources on this topic. Resources:HOPE Not Hate's State of Hate 2024 reportPatrik's research feature on Active ClubsTAT Podcast: Active Clubs: Fitness, Fraternity, and FascismTAT Podcast: What is the #tradwives Movement?

In this week's episode, we're delving into the key trends of the past three years in how online users disseminate far-right terrorist propaganda online. From gamification to Generative AI, we'll be sharing findings from our upcoming report – TCAP Insights: Mapping Far-Right Terrorist Propaganda Online. Archie Macfarlane is joined by Adam Donald, TCAP Manager at Tech Against Terrorism, who was part of the team working on our latest TCAP research report. We discuss the distribution of terrorist content online using TCAP statistics, which terrorist entities are most proficient, and which platforms are most heavily exploited. We also cover how gamification and sanctification of far-right propaganda is leading to a larger audience reach for this content, even on mainstream platforms. Finally, we offer policy recommendations for platforms to counter these trends.Sign up to join the webinar launching the full report here.You can read a transcript of this episode here.If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on X, where you can find resources on this topic. 

Since 2017, the UK has seen fifteen terrorist attacks – from the Manchester Arena bombing to the Dover firebomb attack. But during that time, more than twice as many attacks have also been foiled. So in this week's episode, we're looking at terror plotters in the UK. We are delving into the case studies of two very young plotters who were largely radicalised online, trying to understand what led them down their violent pathways and what can be done by stakeholders to prevent similar cases in future. Archie Macfarlane is joined by Lizzie Dearden, a home affairs and security journalist, and author of the book Plotters: The UK Terrorists Who Failed. You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on X, where you can find resources on this topic. Resources:Lizzie Dearden's book, Plotters: The UK Terrorists Who FailedTAT Podcast: How has the Online Dissemination of Jihadist Propaganda Evolved?TAT Podcast: Gaming and Extremism: Threats and OpportunitiesTAT Podcast: Gaming and Extremism: Identity Fusion

In this week's episode, we're introducing you to a new kind of far-right group – Active Clubs. Their unique pitch combines fitness, fraternity and fascism. We map out the origins and rapid growth of the movement, how they have utilised social media to create chapters globally, and their appealing offer to younger men in particular. Archie Macfarlane is joined by Brody McDonald, director of the Oxford Disinformation and Extremism Lab, and Associate Fellow at King's College London. You can read a transcript of the episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on X, where you can find resources on this topic. Resources:Brody's recent research TAT Podcast: God, Guns and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America

In this week's episode, we are delving into Islamic State's global propaganda network. We map the group's media apparatus, unpacking the term “media Jihad” to understand the role of pro-IS online networks in waging its propaganda war. We highlight the centrality of Islamic State Khorasan Province, also known as ISKP, in reinvigorating IS's propaganda machine. Note: this episode was recorded prior to the terrorist attack on the Crocus City concert hall in Moscow on 22 March 2024, which has killed at least 139 people. ISKP has claimed the attack.Archie Macfarlane is joined by Lucas Webber, co-founder of Militant Wire, a media company that provides expert analysis on militant activity around the globe.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on X, where you can find resources on this topic. Resources:Militant WireLucas Webber's X pageTech Against Terrorism's report on ISKP's Moscow attackTAT analysis: After the Taliban Takeover: How Islamic State-Khorasan Are Exploiting the Online Ecosystem and Projecting the ThreatTAT podcast: Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K): A Growing Threat

In this week's episode, we look at how the far-right threat has intersected with their exploitation of technology over the past 40 years or so. We trace the far-right's experimentation with technology back to white supremacists in 1980s America, discuss the revolutionary effect of social media on far-right terrorism , and explore the risks of violence in the upcoming US elections.This time, Archie Macfarlane is joined by Bruce Hoffman, senior fellow for counterterrorism and homeland security at the Council on Foreign Relations, and Jacob Ware, a research fellow at the Council of Foreign Relations. The episode explores their new book God, Guns and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America, which traces the history of the far-right extremist movement in the US and how to counter it.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on X, where you can find resources on this topic. Resources:God, Guns and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America

In this week's episode, we're revisiting how Islamist terrorist groups disseminate propaganda online. We look at the tactics these groups use to ensure their propaganda remains online and reaches as wide an audience as possible. And we find out how platforms are fighting back. Join Archie Macfarlane as he speaks with Dr. Stuart Macdonald, professor of law at Swansea University and Director of the University's Cyber Threats Research Centre (CYTREC), and Sean McCafferty, a researcher and OSINT analyst at Dublin City University.Stuart and Sean have co-authored a report on the state of 'Online Jihadist Propaganda dissemination.' Their research provides insights into the characteristics of online terrorist ecosystems, the adaptive tactics employed by these entities in reaction to moderation, and presents recommendations for both tech platforms and policymakers.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on X.Resources:Online Jihadist Propaganda dissemination report (COMING SOON)Tech Against Terrorism: Ethics of Content ModerationTech Against Terrorism Podcast: Combating Terrorist Use of File-Sharing

In this week's episode, we investigate the term ‘White Jihad,' the seemingly paradoxical interaction between white supremacy and Jihadism online. We ask how this loose online community emerged, who it attracts, and what can be done to counter it. Join Archie Macfarlane as he speaks with Dr. Federico Borgonovo, a research-analyst at ITSTIME, the Italian Team for Security Terroristic Issues and Managing Emergencies, at the Catholic University of Sacred Heart, in Milan.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on X, where you can find resources on this topic. Resources:ITSTIME websiteExploring the Whitejihad Digital Ecosystem - F.Borgonovo & S.R.LuciniTech Against Terrorism Europe (TATE) website

In this week's episode, we ask why media reporting on terrorism matters, discussing the research on media coverage of terrorist attacks and suicides, the potentially harmful effects on society, and what guidelines can be put in place to ensure more responsible media reporting, including on social media.Join Archie Macfarlane as he speaks with Dr. Brigitte Naderer, Prof. Thomas Niederkrotenthaler and Dr. Benedikt Till from the Medical University of Vienna.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. Resources:Short-Term Effects of Media Reports on Terrorism That Are Consistent vs. Not Consistent with Media Recommendations on Mass Shootings: A Randomized Controlled TrialTech Against Terrorism Europe (TATE) website

In this week's episode, we discuss the Great Replacement Theory (GRT), a conspiracy theory which asserts that there is an orchestrated plan to replace native European and North American populations with non-white immigrants. We unpack why this narrative has become central to the worldview of the global far-right, how it has spread online; and to what extent these beliefs have infilitrated the mainstream.Join Archie Macfarlane as he speaks with Jacob Davey, the Head of Research & Policy for Far-right and Hate Movements at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. Jacob's work involves mapping far-right extremism and the development of new tools for tracking hate speech globally.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

In this week's episode, we discuss the challenges and complexities of content moderation in the online space, asking who gets to decide what we say online and why. We situate this debate in the context of tech platforms facing ever-increasing pressure to moderate content that is considered harmful or otherwise undesirable. We delve into the mechanics of how content is moderated, focusing on the evolving roles and responsibilities of tech companies and governments in determining acceptable content. Decisions to deplatform individuals or groups, even when their content is not explicitly illegal, raise questions about the legitimacy of tech companies as arbiters of public dialogue. Join Archie Macfarlane as he speaks with Alastair Reed, Associate Professor at the Cyber Threats Research Centre (CYTREC) at Swansea University and former Director of the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) in the Hague. You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

In this week's episode, we discuss the state of extremism in the Nordic region. We focus on Sweden as the long-term epicentre of regional far-right extremism, and explore the Nordic Resistance Movement's (NRM) evolution. We also discuss the role of online platforms in amplifying NRM's reach and radicalising supporters to violence and what can be done to counter this. Join Archie Macfarlane as he speaks with Morgan Finnsiö, a journalist, researcher and educator at the anti-racist foundation Expo, which aims to defend democratic society against the threat posed by racism.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

In this week's episode, we delve into extremist manifestos and how they've been used by perpetrators of violent attacks to promote their ideology and inspire further violence and hatred. We cover the evolution of manifestos as a terrorist tactic, discuss different authors and styles, and focus on the role of the internet in amplifying their reach and impact.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to J.M. Berger,  a Senior Research Fellow for the Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, the author of four critically acclaimed books, and a research and policy consultant to tech companies and U.S. government agencies.You can read a transcript of this episode here.  If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week's episode explores conspiracy theories, and their potency as tools of persuasion. We examine how conspiratorial narratives are common across extremist propaganda throughout history and their role in justifying and motivating violence towards certain groups. We also discuss how the internet has influenced the narrative power of conspiracies and consider the challenges AI and Large Language Models (LLM) present for tackling extreme conspiracies online.  Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Dr Stephane Baele, Professor of International Relations at UCLouvain (Belgium), and Honorary Associate Professor of Security & Political Violence at the University of Exeter, UK.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic.

This week's episode focuses on the ways in which gender identity is discussed and expressed within different segments of the online far-right. We investigate the #tradwives movement - a social media trend used by far-right supporters to promote traditional gender roles, discuss its ideological roots, and consider the challenges for moderating such content.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Ninian Frenguelli, a PhD candidate at Swansea University studying gender in the online extreme right.You can read a transcript of this episode here.If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week's episode focuses on Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K), a regional affiliate of Islamic State primarily active in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We discuss the group in the context of the Taliban takeover two years ago, assessing the threat posed by the group to the region and to the West. We also focus on IS-K's online activity and the increasingly prominent role the affiliate plays in IS propaganda, recruitment, and operational output.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to two members of the Tech Against Terrorism Open Source-Intelligence (OSINT) team: Arthur Bradley, the OSINT Manager with a background in security intelligence and specific expertise on terrorist propaganda, and Louise Meloy, an OSINT analyst who has previously worked for the EU Commission and NATO on security policy as well as in the private sector as an intel analyst. TAT analysis: After the Taliban Takeover: How Islamic State-Khorasan Are Exploiting the Online Ecosystem and Projecting the ThreatYou can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're discussing the unique psychological risks that exist for those working in the field of online counterterrorism. We provide practical guidance for identifying, understanding and combating trauma and other mental health issues associated with exposure to terrorist material, and explore the roles and responsibilities of both practitioner and organisation in mitigating these impacts to welfare.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Stevie Voogt, Director of People & Culture at Moonshot, a social enterprise working to end online harms. And Fiona Dunkley, a consultant senior psychotherapist, author and founder of FD Consultants, a network of trauma specialist therapists offering psychosocial support to people exposed to traumatic material in their work.You can read a transcript of this episode here. Resources:Strategies for Researchers Analysing Terrorist and Violent Extremist Content (TVEC)Resource list on researcher welfareProtecting Your Mental Health: Vicarious Trauma SupportExposure to Traumatic Material: 3 Stages of SupportProtecting Staff from Vicarious Trauma If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're investigating the online activity of Islamic State (IS), an Islamist terrorist organisation renowned for its highly sophisticated media strategy and exploitation of the internet to disseminate its propaganda and recruit members. We'll be examining how IS and its supporter networks have evolved in their use of the internet, what platforms and technologies they exploit, and the techniques they use to avoid tech platform moderation. We'll also touch on the work being carried out by Tech Against Terrorism to monitor and combat the group's online activities.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Meili Criezis, a Graduate Fellow at the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL), and Raphael Gluck, Co-Founder of JihadOScope, an organisation that monitors Jihadist activity across the internet.You can read a transcript of this episode here. You can find Tech Against Terrorism's ‘State of Play: Trends in Terrorist and Violent Extremist Use of the Internet 2022' report here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're investigating the use of podcasts by extremist actors, a growing and concerning trend, which, over the last decade or so, has seen extremists leveraging this medium to spread their ideology, recruit followers and network with like minded individuals. Our expert guests expose how extremist groups and networks on the far-right have created an alternative media ecosystem that is reinforcing and normalising hateful ideologies, fringe ideas, and conspiratorial narratives. We also discuss how the ease of creating and distributing audio content has allowed these actors to regularly produce content that reaches a global audience and the challenges in moderating this content.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Dr Megan Squire, Deputy Director for Data Analytics and OSINT (open source intelligence) at the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and Bjørn Ihler, co-founder and CEO of Glitterpill and Director of the Khalifa Ihler Institute, a global peacebuilding foundation.You can read a transcript of this episode here.  If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're exploring the role of the internet in the mainstreaming of radical ideas, which are increasingly infiltrating politics and popular culture. We also get a deeper insight into online extremist communities to understand what's driving these ideas and how radicalisation is occurring.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Dr Julia Ebner, a Senior Resident Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), specialising in far-right extremism, reciprocal radicalisation, conspiracy myths and terrorism prevention. Julia is an award-winning and best-selling author of several books including:The Rage: The Vicious Circle of Islamist and Far-Right ExtremismGoing Dark: The Secret Social Lives of ExtremistsGoing Mainstream: How Extremists are Taking OverYou can read a transcript of this episode here.  If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're diving deeper into the nexus between gaming and extremism, exploring how gaming culture, storylines and symbols are being appropriated by extremist actors, and unpacking the concept of ‘identity fusion': the phenomenon whereby players emotionally and psychologically merge their real-life identity with that of their in-game avatar or character. Our guests also discuss how the growing immersiveness of online games and the increasingly blurred line between reality and virtual reality might impact radicalisation processes, and touch on how stakeholders can get ahead of this threat.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Dr Rachel Kowert, a research psychologist and Research Director of gaming and mental health organisation Take This, and Dr Ashton Kingdon, a lecturer of Criminology at the University of Southampton. You can read a transcript of this episode here.To find out more about the Extremism and Gaming Research Network (EGRN), visit https://extremismandgaming.org/.If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're exploring the interaction between gaming and extremism.  We discuss the growing misuse of gaming platforms by extremist actors and consider why gaming communities are at risk of fostering concerning attitudes towards misogyny, racism, and even violent extremism. We address the threat to children and young people, the challenges and opportunities for policymakers, gaming companies and other stakeholders, and finally, what the future of gaming could mean in the context of extremism.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Dr Jessica White, a Senior Research Fellow in RUSI's Terrorism and Conflict group, and Galen Lamphere-Englund, a Violent Extremism and Strategic Communications Researcher and Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).You can read a transcript of this episode here.  To find out more about the Extremism and Gaming Research Network (EGRN), visit https://extremismandgaming.org/.If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're exploring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or the Pakistani Taliban - an Islamist terrorist organisation known for its violent activities and ideological alignment with the Afghan Taliban.  In the episode, we discuss TTP's evolution, its recent resurgence, and how it's using propaganda to further its strategic goals. We'll also unpack TTP's online activities and how its official media arm has significantly enhanced its operations since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, playing an important role in the group's resurgenceJoin Anne Craanen as she speaks to Dr Amira Jadoon, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Clemson University, and Dr Antonio Giustozzi, a Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services InstituteYou can read a transcript of this episode here.Tech Against Terrorism's Terrorist Content Analytics Platform (TCAP) has recently added TTP to its Inclusion Policy, alerting its official content to tech platforms. You can find our blog explaining the reasons why here.If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're discussing the rapidly evolving phenomenon of deepfakes powered by generative AI technology. We explore how deepfakes are being manipulated for malign purposes, including by terrorist and violent extremist actors. And we consider how this threat might develop as technology improves and what this means for terrorist propaganda, online disinformation, and global security. We also ask what tech platforms, the media and policymakers should be doing to get ahead of this threat.  Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Daniel Byman, Senior fellow in the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution. And Chris Meserole, Director of the Brookings Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Initiative and a fellow in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution. You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're exploring the use of memes in the context of terrorism and violent extremism. Throughout the episode, we consider why memes are being used by terrorist and violent extremist actors, how they're spread online and why their meaning is often hidden to ordinary internet users. We also look at some of the challenges this poses for tech platform moderators trying to counter their spread and what tech companies can do to address this issue. Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Arthur Bradley, OSINT Manager at Tech Against Terrorism. We're also joined by Blyth Crawford, an Analyst at Moonshot and Research Fellow and PhD Candidate in War Studies, The International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) at King's College London and Moustafa Ayad, Executive Director for Africa, Middle East and Asia, Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD). You can read a transcript of this episode here.  If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're looking into the contested term “borderline content”, using antisemitism as a case study for how terrorist and violent extremist (TVE) actors sanitise extremist content. We learn more about what borderline content is in practice, its strategic use for TVE actors, and what makes it so difficult to moderate. We also consider the potential consequences of allowing borderline content to spread on mainstream social media platforms and discuss what tech platforms and policymakers should be doing to tackle it. Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Isabelle Arnson, Senior Policy Analyst at Tech Against Terrorism  and Head of Tech Against Terrorism Europe (TATE). And Hannah Rose, a PhD Candidate in War Studies at King's College London and a Research Fellow at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR). You can read a transcript of this episode here.If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're exploring the spread of online disinformation in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We unpack the shifting online ecosystem around the conflict, and track pro-Kremlin narratives and disinformation campaigns both domestically and abroad. We also ask who's behind these narratives and on which platforms they are being spread. Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Jordan Wildon, a Digital Investigator, Telegram expert and Founder & CEO of Prose Intelligence. And Charlie Winter, Co-Founder and Director of Research at ExTrac.You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week on the Tech Against Terrorism podcast, we're heading to Canada to speak to two of the country's leading experts who are working to counter terrorism and violent extremism through the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence. Hear how the centre leads the Government of Canada's efforts to counter radicalisation to violence through a number of initiatives, including its Community Resilience Fund. Plus, how we at Tech Against Terrorism are working with the Centre to expand the Terrorist Content Analytics Platform (TCAP), the world's largest database of verified terrorist content.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Brett Kubicek, Research Manager, and Robert Burley, Executive Director at the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence.Read our full report on terrorist designation here. You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

With the help of our expert guests, we explore what hybrid threats are in the context of online terrorism and violent extremism. We consider why this hybridisation has increased in recent years and how online extremism has blurred and overlapped with other online harms such as disinformation and conspiracy theory movements. We also touch on “grey area” content, consider whether algorithms promote more hateful or extreme narratives online, and discuss what the tech sector and policymakers can do to tackle hybrid threats online. Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Dr Bettina Rottweiler, a Research Fellow at University College London (UCL) where she specialises in researching risk and protective factors for violent extremism. And Milo Comerford, Head of Policy & Research at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), which specialises in research and policy advice on hate, extremism, and disinformation. You can read a transcript of this episode here.  If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're looking at how the internet is regulated in India. We consider what the current landscape looks like, what this means for tech platforms operating in the market and how this is impacting platforms' online counterterrorism and content moderation efforts.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Tanmay Singh, Senior Litigation Counsel at the Internet Freedom Foundation. And Jyoti Panday, a researcher at the Internet Governance Project (IGP) at the Georgia Institute of Technology.We unpack the recent legislation - the 2021 Information and Technology (IT) Rules - highlighting how they relate to global trends in regulating online content. Plus, we outline how civic engagement can influence online regulation. You can read a transcript of this episode here.If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter. To find out more about global online regulation, read our analysis in the Online Regulation Series.

This week, we're looking at how violent Islamist organisations such as Islamic State disseminate propaganda online, particularly through the exploitation of file-sharing platforms.  Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Professor Stuart Macdonald and Connor Rees from Swansea University about their data-driven research which explores pro-IS use of file-sharing platforms for propaganda dissemination. The episode addresses how and why Islamic State and their supporters have had to develop such a sophisticated strategy for spreading their message. We also consider how data-driven research by academia can help inform a collaborative and multi-stakeholder approach to countering the threat of terrorist and violent extremist use of the internet. Download the full report, Remove, Impede, Disrupt, Redirect: Understanding & Combating Pro-Islamic State Use of File-Sharing Platforms here. You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're exploring the concept of deplatforming. We explain what deplatforming is, how tech company attitudes towards content removal have evolved over the years and consider whether there's a case for allowing some “borderline” content to remain on platforms. Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Dr Joe Whittaker, a lecturer in Cyber Threats, Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy at Swansea University. Dr Whittaker has carried out extensive research focusing on online radicalisation, including looking into the role deplatforming plays in radicalisation online. He shares some of the unintended consequences of deplatforming and explains why he believes tech platforms now need a broader strategy to tackle terrorist and violent extremist content online. You can read a transcript of this episode here.If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we look back at some of the key trends and developments in terrorist and violent extremist use of the internet in 2022. We'll be sharing findings from our “state of play” report which highlights shifts in terrorist behaviour and tactics online. Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Tech Against Terrorism's Charley, Rory and Arthur about developments in Islamist and far-right terrorist exploitation of the internet, the growing threat of terrorist operated websites, and how TVE actors are experimenting with newer technologies such as the decentralised web. We also examine emerging threats in 2023 and discuss our priorities for the year ahead which include expanding our support for web infrastructure providers and increasing our crisis response capabilities.You can find the full report, “State of Play: Trends in Terrorist and Violent Extremist Exploitation of the Internet 2022” here.You can read a transcript of this episode here.If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're exploring the topic of online misogyny. With gender-based abuse in online spaces becoming a growing problem, we explore why misogynist views are so prominent online, the emotional impact of online harms, and what tech platforms can do to counter violent misogynistic content and protect victims from abuse.We also explore why misogyny is so prevalent in extremist networks online, not just among incels but across ideologies. And we learn more about how the online discussion platform, Reddit, has developed its policies to better tackle violent misogynistic material.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Dr Jessica Ashooh, Senior Director of Policy at Reddit. And Elsa Bengtsson Meuller, a PhD candidate at Goldsmiths, University of London, where they are researching the politics of antifeminist and misogynistic (online) cultures.You can read a transcript of this episode here.  If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week, we're exploring the topic of researcher safety and mental health, focusing on the particular difficulties facing those working with terrorist or violent extremist content. We ask whether there's enough awareness around the subject, and what can be done, both individually and institutionally, to protect the emotional wellbeing and safety of counterterrorism researchers and practitioners.Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Olivier Cauberghs, Head of Textgain Academy, and Kesa White, Lead Trends Analyst and Program Manager at the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) at the American University.  You can read a transcript of this episode here.If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week on the Tech Against Terrorism podcast, we're taking you behind the scenes to learn more about the work of our Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Analysts who are responsible for tracking, analysing and alerting terrorist and violent extremist activity online.We share what a typical day in the life of an OSINT analyst looks like, some of the safety, ethical and mental health considerations around their work, plus we hear what skills you need for a career in OSINT. We also weigh up the potential risks and benefits of self-taught OSINT and discuss the future of OSINT. Join Anne Craanen and Archie Macfarlane as they speak to Arthur and Rory from the Tech Against Terrorism OSINT team. If you're interested in learning more about Open-source Intelligence, check out the resources at OSINTCurious, OSINTJobs and Bellingcat. You can read a transcript of this episode here.If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week on the Tech Against Terrorism podcast we're exploring the decentralised web. We discuss what the decentralised web is, its potential benefits for users, and whether terrorists and violent extremists are exploiting these technologies. We also consider future threats relating to exploitation of the decentralised web, and how tech companies building this technology can mitigate this by developing trust and safety mechanisms early on.  Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Dr. Inga Trauthig, a Senior Research Fellow with the Propaganda Research Lab at The University of Texas at Austin, and Clara Tsao, Co-founder of the Trust & Safety Professional Association (TSPA) and Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council.You can read Inga's full research paper “Emergent Technologies and Extremists:The DWeb as a New Internet Reality?” here. And learn more about Clara's work at The Trust & Safety Professional Association here. You can read a transcript of this episode here. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

This week on the Tech Against Terrorism podcast we're exploring the threat of terrorist operated websites (TOWs). We discuss what TOWs are, what features they offer, and what role they play in wider terrorist and violent extremist exploitation of the internet. We also discuss why removing websites is so legally and ethically complicated and requires multi-stakeholder solutions. Finally, we outline what TAT is doing to combat TOWs, and consider what can be done by policymakers, infrastructure providers and other relevant stakeholders. Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Ajith Francis, Director of the Data & Jurisdiction Program at the Internet & Jurisdiction Policy Network and Rory, an Open-source Intelligence (OSINT) Analyst at Tech Against Terrorism. You can read our full report on the threat of terrorist and violent extremist operated websites here. You can read a transcript of this episode here.  If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic. 

Welcome back to the Tech Against Terrorism podcast. For our first episode back, we're taking a deep dive into the dark web. We discuss what the dark web is, who's using it, plus consider the extent to which it's exploited by terrorist actors. We also discuss how the dark web is regulated, consider future threats and whether it's an area the tech sector and policymakers should be prioritising. Join Anne Craanen as she speaks to Dr James Martin, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Deakin University, Australia. And Arthur Bradley, Open-source Intelligence Manager at Tech Against Terrorism. If you want to find out more about Tech Against Terrorism and our work, visit techagainstterrorism.org or follow us on Twitter @techvsterrorism, where you can find resources on this topic.