Digital Terrorism: The Weaponization of Social Media Platforms

Abstract

Immediate worldwide connections are now possible with the help of social media, which has revolutionized communication. But internet also gives terrorist and extremist groups powerful tools for radicalization, recruiting, finance, planning, and dissemination. While the Internet has made it simpler to identify terrorist activity on social media and through browser history, the popularity of social media and the dark web has also acted as the ideal anonymous medium for long-distance terrorist recruiting and communication. This study focuses on the use of social media a tool for promoting extremist and terror propaganda by terrorist organization. This study uses qualitative approach using interview method technique. Purposive sampling has been used to draw the sample of the experts and security analysts. Finding of the study suggest that social media is being used for promoting terror agenda by various terrorist organizations. There are certain challenges to cope with the situation. However, the effective use of social media and internet-based checks can produce effective outcomes.