Geneva, Sept. 12 (SANA) A United Nations report has revealed an alarming surge in the use of digital platforms and artificial intelligence by terrorist groups, transforming propaganda into a central operational tool that strengthens their ability to recruit, fundraise, and coordinate activities worldwide.
The report, issued Friday, by the Executive Directorate of the UN Security Council’s Counter‑Terrorism Committee, (CTED) stressed that extremist propaganda is no longer limited to messaging but has evolved into a comprehensive system supporting influence, control, and psychological manipulation.
It highlighted disturbing trends, including the targeting of children and youth through social media and online gaming. Extremist groups have developed violent shooting games or modified existing ones to embed extremist narratives into familiar entertainment environments. The spread of excessively violent content, such as execution footage and victim images, was noted as a recruitment and intimidation tactic.
The report warned of a widening gap between the rapid adaptation of terrorist organizations to digital technologies and the slower pace of government responses, leaving space for extremists to expand their digital presence. It cited groups such as ISIS and Al‑Shabaab in Somalia, which exploit propaganda to project false legitimacy, raise funds, and construct an image of authority. These organizations are responsible for severe harm, loss of life, and grave human rights violations.
The UN stressed the urgent need for integrated strategies that treat terrorist propaganda as a core operational element, while ensuring counter‑terrorism measures remain consistent with international human rights law. It called for strengthening member states’ capacities to monitor the digital sphere and protect young people from increasing exposure to extremist targeting.
Separately, a report by the US artificial intelligence company Anthropic disclosed that users linked to the Houthi militia in northern Yemen attempted to exploit the “Claude” chatbot to develop advanced weapons and missiles.
R A H / H.H
