PAVE Training Module 2

Section outline

• The potential of the internet has become a primary concern for policymakers and tech companies alike, and changed the way in which national security threats are investigated. These entities are increasingly aware of the importance of the internet in radicalization techniques. Major tech firms have been accused of failing to adjust algorithms that accelerate violent extremism and lawmakers have accused executives at social media firms of consistently prioritizing growth and revenue over safety and security. Advocates of direct governmental regulation present a straightforward narrative of companies failing to meet their responsibility to police terrorist content on their platforms, and governments intervening with strict parameters, hefty fines, and legal penalties to force them into compliance.

  However, the success and scale of the operations of violent extremist groups is dependent on the financial, physical and ideological support of sympathetic communities. It is not uncommon for terrorist organizations to obtain support through government supporters. In addition, religious leaders do not exist in isolation from politics. Many of the leaders are political appointments and are often not an accurate representation of their constituents and beliefs. As such, they may perpetuate a sectarian system that inhibits the social integration of all and continue to suppress diversity of religions, which can lead to corruption and dissemination of harmful rhetoric. 

  Deradicalization requires effective tools to counter radicalization starting from counter narratives. Policymakers in MENA and the Western Balkans have yet to formulate an effective policy concerning online deradicalization; simply shutting down social networks with radical content or removing such content is not effective. However, it is important for policy makers to acknowledge that they may not always be best positioned to officially disseminate counter narratives. This nuance makes collaboration between policy makers, religious actors and civil society all more critical.

  Despite shortcomings, policymakers and governments have strived to support counter-efforts to online radicalization and recruitment. For instance, government of the United Kingdom created the Counter-Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) to coordinate efforts with private sector industries to remove illegal content, from videos of violence with messages of glorification for terrorists to bomb-making instructions.  More than 30 UN member states have created a national action plan to prevent violent extremism. A majority of these documents contain provisions for governments to combat extremism in all its forms, including in online spaces. 

  However, additional efforts must be made through regional cooperation between governments and local actors such as NGOs, scholars and journalists must strongly advocate for legal and institutional reforms to be able to tackle extremism, and right-wing extremism (RWE). Advocating for rule of law enforcement should be a priority, such as advocacy for severe punishment of online or in-person violence and incidents by RWE activists, incrimination of the activities and banning of RWE organizations that have the potential for violence. Smaller community-based organizations should be empowered for operational and advocacy activities. 

  Raising awareness of online risks for extremism is important. Development of online preventive measures by local stakeholders for countering toxic but “borderline” RWE expressions, and more effective countering of fake news and conspiracy theories with straightforward messages and answers, suitable to young and old, are needed.

  Hear from Samiha Hamdi, a researcher at the University of Sfax, on how civil society, religious actors and policy makers can collaborate to reduce online violence.

  
  

  Source: PAVE Project. ''Samiha Hamdi: How Civil Society, Religious Actors and Policymakers Collaborate to Reduce Online Violence. 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU61AERI1vc.

How Does Religion Influence Online Recruitment and Radicalization?

Jump to... Main learning site Session 1: Objectives and Expected Results How Does the Internet Support and Create Opportunities for Extremist Narratives and Radicalization? Digital Recruitment in Today's Society What Tactics Do Violent Extremists Use to Radicalize Individuals? Who Do Violent Extremists Target in Radicalization and Recruitment Online? How and Why Do Youth Become Key Targets for Radicalization and Recruitment? Gendered Lens: How and Why Do Women Become Key Targets for Radicalization and Recruitment? How Does Religion Influence Online Recruitment and Radicalization? Additional Resources for Session 1 Session 2: Objectives and Expected Results What Could An Extremist Narrative Look Like? How Can We Address Online Radicalization and Recruitment? What is Counter or Alternative Messaging and How Can it Be Used to Prevent Radicalization? Building a Strategic Campaign Guidelines for Creating an Effective Campaign Mapping Your Target Audience How is Our Target Audience Currently Interacting with Extremist Content? How to Craft Your Counter or Alternative Message Tactics to Disseminate Your Campaign Messages Your Counter or Alternative Narrative Campaign is Launched - Now What? Evaluating Your Counter or Alternative Narrative Campaign Now It’s Your Turn to Make a Counter Narrative Campaign! Additional Resources for Session 2 Session 3: Objectives and Expected Results Being Safe When Using Online Spaces Safety Through An Inclusive Lens What if Someone I know is Talking to an Unsafe Person? Key Considerations for Building Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration and Trust to Prevent Online Radicalization and Recruitment Additional Resources for Session 3 Print Your Course Certificate

Additional Resources for Session 1