‘Alt-tech’ will diffuse online extremist presence

Subject

Extremism and decentralised social media.

Significance

Mainstream social media platforms have been taking a hard line on removing extremist content since 2015 over fears that Islamic State incites terrorist attacks through the internet. In recent months, even previously ‘safe haven’ platforms have begun to remove extremist content and ban users. This has forced extremist groups from Islamic fundamentalists to far-right groups to turn to decentralised internet technology, often referred to as ‘alt-tech’, as a way to retain a web presence and avoid takedowns and de-platforming.

Impacts

• A generational shift is likely between younger tech-savvy members and older generations of extremist group members.
• It will become harder for law enforcement and researchers to track what is happening as the online environment becomes more complex.
• Far-right and white supremacist groups may be increasingly represented in such platforms as their appeal grows.