Tech Against Terrorism

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. 🎧 Listen to learn: ➡︎ How terrorist groups are acquiring and adapting drone technology ➡︎ The tactical advantages drones offer to extremist organisations ➡︎ How governments are responding to this emerging threat ➡︎ The future of drone warfare in terrorist operations 📱 Connect with Don Rassler. 📚Learn more about the Combating Terrorism Center here. ⚡Follow Tech Against Terrorism on Bluesky and LinkedIn. 🌐Check out the Tech Against Terrorism website. 💬 Connect with our host, Lucas Webber. 📄 Read a full transcript of this episode here. 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production.

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. 🎧 Listen to learn: ➡︎ About the intersection of gaming and counter-terrorism ➡︎ How Valens Games develops simulations for practitioners ➡︎ The real-world applications of video game technology in security strategy ➡︎ The Challenges and risks associated with gamifying counter-terrorism training ➡︎ The role of AI and interactive storytelling in security simulations 📱Connect with Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Eleanor Ross. 📚Learn more about Valens Games here. ⚡Follow Tech Against Terrorism on Bluesky and LinkedIn. 🌐Check out the Tech Against Terrorism website. 💬 Connect with our host, Lucas Webber. 📄 Read a full transcript of this episode here. 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production.

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. 🎧 Listen to learn: ➡︎ How suppressed religious movements evolved into jihadist networks in CA ➡︎ How Central Asian jihadist groups use the internet to recruit and spread propaganda ➡︎ The role of regional governments in countering extremism 📱Connect with Bruce Pannier. 📚Learn more about the Foreign Policy Research Institute here. ⚡Follow Tech Against Terrorism on Bluesky and LinkedIn. 🌐Check out the Tech Against Terrorism website. 💬 Connect with our host, Lucas Webber. 📄 Read a full transcript of this episode here. 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production.

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. 🎧 Listen to find out: ➡︎ How terrorists are using 3D printers to manufacture weapons ➡︎ Why quantum computing poses an underestimated risk ➡︎ The truth about artificial intelligence misuse by terrorists ➡︎ What’s behind the rise in youth extremism ➡︎ The unique challenges governments, regulators, and tech platforms face in combating these threats 📱Connect with Colin Clarke and Clara Broekaert. 📚Learn more about The Soufan Center here. ⚡Follow Tech Against Terrorism on Bluesky and LinkedIn. 🌐Check out the Tech Against Terrorism website 💬Connect with our host, Lucas Webber. 📄Read a full transcript of this episode here. 🎙️An OG Podcasts Ltd production.

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. 🎧 Listen to find out: ➡︎ What money can tell us about a potential attack plot ➡︎ What methods terrorists use to raise funds ➡︎ How terrorists leverage criminal activity ➡︎ The role of cryptocurrency ➡︎ How women are involved in terrorism financing 📱Connect with Dr. Jessica Davis. 📚Learn more about Insight Threat Intelligence here. ⚡️ Follow Tech Against Terrorism on Bluesky and LinkedIn. 🌐Check out the Tech Against Terrorism website 💬 Connect with our host, Lucas Webber. 📄 Read a full transcript of this episode here. 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production.

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: 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: researchIncels, 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: 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: researchIslamic State Khorasan (IS-K): A Growing Threat?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: State of Hate 2024 reportfeature on Active ClubsActive Clubs: Fitness, Fraternity, and FascismWhat 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: Plotters: The UK Terrorists Who FailedHow has the Online Dissemination of Jihadist Propaganda Evolved?Gaming and Extremism: Threats and OpportunitiesGaming 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: recent researchGod, 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 WireX pagereport on ISKP’s Moscow attackAfter the Taliban Takeover: How Islamic State-Khorasan Are Exploiting the Online Ecosystem and Projecting the ThreatIslamic 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 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: websiteExploring the Whitejihad Digital Ecosystemwebsite

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 TrialRecommendations for Reporting on Mass Shootingswebsite

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.