ISIS And Manipulation of Cyberspace for Terrorism (Part Two)
By
Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam
4 January
2024
The
Sudden Emergence of ISIS In Syria and Mass Appeal Among Muslims Across the
World Showed the Danger of Online Terrorism. ISIS Proponents Were Able to
Spread and Recruit People to Their Cause Using Cyberspace. The Migration of
Educated Young To Fight The ‘Caliphate’ Highlighted The Importance Of Online
Surveillance Of Cyberspace To Filter Terror Content. In India, 23 Youths Who
Migrated to Yemen to Fight ISIS Were Also Radicalised Through Online
Interactions.
Main
Points:
1.
Jihadist organizations employ diverse channels to disseminate their
narratives, with a particular focus on cyberspace
2.
Social networking services have become the primary tool for terrorist
groups, serving as a means for recruitment, target selection, and the
dissemination of propaganda, including interconnected stories in support of
their narrative, recruitment efforts, and fundraising
3.
ISIS's media organization has invested considerable effort in producing
diverse propaganda products with varying themes
4.
it is imperative to emphasize that extremist movements or organizations
pose not only potential risks to public order but also have a profound impact
on individuals, significantly affecting the lives of their victims
------
ISIS used
cyberspace effectively to spread their ideology through a process called ‘lone
wolf theory’. Their manipulation of cyberspace brought into significance the
importance of controlling cyberspace from becoming a haven for terrorist
organisations. This article explains the exploitation of cyberspace by ISIS for
their nefarious activities.
Jihadist
organizations employ diverse channels to disseminate their narratives, with a
particular focus on cyberspace, which they perceive as a crucial tool for
technological advancement and a battleground against the Western world.
Notably, Islamist terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS extensively utilize
online platforms such as jihadi forums, Social Networking Services (SNS) like
Facebook and Instagram, private websites and blogs, and even Internet gaming.
ISIS, for
instance, maintains well-protected jihadi forums like Shumukh al-Islam and
al-Minbar, featuring hidden forums discussing software to conceal tracks and
encrypt messages. These platforms also share information gathered from U.S. and
other national sources, including counterterrorism efforts, malware details,
firearms and explosives manuals, and actions against online jihadis. Advanced
weaponry discussions and guidance on avoiding surveillance are also present.
Social
Networking Services like Facebook and Twitter were initially popular, but due
to increased efforts by these platforms to remove terrorist propaganda, there
is a decreasing trend in their usage. Despite this, some jihadist groups, like
the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan supporting al-Qaida, maintain Twitter
accounts. Given the stricter supervision, many jihadists have shifted to
encrypted platforms like Telegram, where they establish official channels for
indoctrination through messages, videos, and audio clips.
Furthermore,
jihadist groups often operate personal webpages or blogs using open-source
platforms like WordPress or FileFlyer. These serve as both security measures in
case certain forums are compromised and backups for propaganda, ensuring
continued dissemination across various mediums.
Social
Media Tools And ISIS
Social
networking services have become the primary tool for terrorist groups, serving
as a means for recruitment, target selection, and the dissemination of
propaganda, including interconnected stories in support of their narrative,
recruitment efforts, and fundraising. This trend is particularly prominent in
the case of ISIS in Syria and Iraq. A substantial portion of ISIS activities
revolves around online propaganda, showcasing a highly organized and strategic
approach to social media weaponization. Analysing their strategy, overarching
narrative, strategic information objectives, target audiences, and utilization
of social network media reveals a meticulously planned and professionally
executed social media information campaign, akin to contemporary cross-media
marketing or political public relations campaigns.
Since June
2014, ISIS has conducted an exceptionally aggressive online recruitment and
incitement campaign, utilizing social media to an unprecedented extent in the
history of terrorist groups. The group has effectively converted popular social
media technologies into tools for building and reinforcing support, even among
individuals who have not physically been inside the so-called
"caliphate."
Strategically,
ISIS employs social media to capture mass media and strategic audiences'
attention, control and amplify its messaging in support of its narrative,
recruit and radicalize followers, deter opponents, and raise funds. The group
demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of presenting a unified vision (the
Caliphate) and a common purpose. They effectively leverage user experience and
visual mediums, such as infographics, to emotionally engage their followers and
strategic audiences. Simultaneously, they disrupt opponents' narratives and
online activities by exploiting messaging, positioning themselves among other
jihadist factions in the Middle East.
The
strategy emphasizes "Force Multiplication" through social media to
project a more potent image than reality. This involves creating a substantial
online presence for visibility with strategic audiences, gaining mass media
attention, and creating the illusion of a large following.
"Disseminators" play a crucial role, spreading ISIS tweets and
postings to their followers, creating social proof and potentially attracting
more genuine followers. The use of carefully crafted hashtags and
"astro-turfing" techniques adds credibility to their narrative,
borrowing from political campaigning strategies. ISIS also employs
"test-balloons" to track and gather feedback on potential ideas,
terms, and graphics, resembling both target audience analysis and product
pre-testing in support of their campaign.
From a
strategic narrative perspective, the creation of a Caliphate, marking a return
to the original version of Islam with the introduction of Sharia law, is
central to ISIS. The group presents Muslims as besieged globally due to
perceived laxity, advocating for the restoration of a caliphate as a religious
duty. Despite a centralized narrative, ISIS utilizes diverse voices and
apparent contradictions in messaging, incorporating deterring images alongside
seemingly humanitarian actions like delivering food and displaying affection
for kittens.
Analysing
the narrative and associated messaging reveals that ISIS's social media
campaign aims to set the international media agenda, control the narrative,
counter opposing propaganda, position themselves in contrast to other jihadist
factions, connect supporters in online networks, recruit new members,
intimidate, and deter opponents, demonstrate capacity and command and control,
and raise funds. The strategic audiences for ISIS include sympathizers and
supporters, potential recruits, potential donors, international media, local
audiences in conflict zones, and the wider international community, including
Muslim scholars.
Upon
analysing the narrative and associated messaging, it becomes evident that
ISIS's social media campaign pursues several strategic objectives:
1. Setting
the international media agenda: Gaining attention and visibility for their
messages.
2. Controlling
the narrative: Shaping the perception of their cause.
3. Countering
propaganda: Responding to Western, Shia Muslim, and regime narratives against
ISIS.
4. Positioning
themselves: Presenting as more powerful than they may be in reality.
5. Connecting
supporters: Building and maintaining online support networks.
6. Recruiting
new members: Especially targeting disenfranchised youth in the West.
7. Intimidating
and deterring opponents: Including Iraqi/Syrian soldiers, civilians, and rival
jihadist factions.
8. Demonstrating
capacity and command and control: Projecting a sense of organizational
strength.
9. Raising
funds: Utilizing social media for financial support.
Equally Important,
ISIS Identifies At Least Six Strategic Audiences:
1. Sympathizers
and supporters: To gain and maintain backing.
2. Potential
recruits: Particularly disenfranchised youth in the West for mobilization and
recruitment to jihadist theatres.
3. Potential
donors: Seeking financial support for their activities.
4. International
media: Aiming to gain attention and shape media coverage.
5. Local
audiences in conflict zones and ISIS zones: Including Iraqi soldiers,
civilians, and other rival jihadist factions.
6. Wider
international community: Including Muslim scholars for broader influence and
recognition.
ISIS’s
Media Organs
ISIS's
media organization has invested considerable effort in producing diverse
propaganda products with varying themes. The Diwan (high governmental body) of
Central Media has played a pivotal role by providing support and guidance to
local media bureaus. To centralize the propaganda production and dissemination
process, ISIS's Diwan of Central Media has implemented written guidance, an
evaluation system for both bureaus and products and a real-time quality-control
process, ensuring close interaction between the central body and local media
bureaus.
ISIS has established a comprehensive set of
rules and processes governing propaganda production. This structured approach
has fostered unity of purpose among the group's local media bureaus, enabling
them to not only create individual products but also contribute to a cohesive
narrative portraying ISIS as a large and well-functioning caliphate.
ISIS and
its supporters utilize various online platforms to disseminate their ideology,
including:
1. Jihadi
forums such as Shumukh al-Islam and al-Minbar in Arabic, as well as pro-ISIS
forums in other languages like Ansar al-Jihad fi Italia.
2. Social
Networking Services (SNS) like Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and
YouTube.
3. Telegram,
an encrypted messaging software.
4. Sharing
sites like archive.org.
5. The
dark web.
Prominent
Media Related to ISIS Include:
• Al-Furqan:
Established in 2006, it initially belonged to AQ in Iraq but shifted allegiance
to ISIS in 2013, becoming the official media outlet for ISIS' leadership.
• Al-Hayat
Media Center: Established in mid-2014, it targets non-Arabic speakers, adheres
to mainstream media standards, and produces material in various languages such
as German, English, and French. Notably, it published digital magazines like
Dabiq, Konstantiniyye, and Dar al-Islam, which seem to be discontinued.
• Ajnad:
Specializing in Nasheeds and audio content, Ajnad Media publishes religious
hymns in Arabic and Western languages, mobilizing ISIS members for jihad.
• Al-Bayan:
A radio network providing coverage in Arabic, English, French, and other
languages, reporting on ISIS activities in different arenas.
• Al-Naba
Weekly: ISIS' official weekly in Arabic, still active, covering the group's
activities and providing religious justifications for its operations.
• Amaq
News Agency: Appearing in 2014, Amaq issues claims of responsibility for ISIS
operations worldwide. While its official role was endorsed by ISIS in July
2017, its place in the group's media hierarchy remains somewhat opaque.
• Al-Nour:
An unofficial media outlet of ISIS, producing audiovisual and written
propaganda material for French speakers.
• Furat:
Another unofficial media outlet of ISIS, producing audiovisual and written
propaganda material in Russian and English languages.
Silber
& Bhat, authors of the 2007 NYPD jihadist report, describe the Internet,
with its numerous extremist websites and chat rooms, as a virtual incubator.
Many extremists initiate their radicalization while researching or browsing the
cyber world. Assaf Moghadam, in "Nexus of Global Jihad," emphasizes
the Internet's role in contemporary terrorist cooperation, particularly through
social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. These platforms enhance
individual actors' ability to support terrorism, contributing to
radicalization.
Facebook
dominates social media in the Middle East, with 164 million active monthly
users. Arab youth rely on Facebook and Twitter for news, with 49% getting daily
news from Facebook. YouTube remains a media powerhouse, witnessing a 160%
increase in channels in the Middle East over the past three years.
The
Internet has amplified the importance of informal networks, facilitating
cooperation among terrorist actors. Recruiters use social media to outsource
recruitment, reaching broader audiences. Social media influencers, like Ahmad
Musa Jibril and Musa Cerantonio, provide spiritual support and bridge language
gaps, connecting official accounts with non-Arabic speakers in Western
countries.
Various
Internet platforms, including forums, social media, private websites, blogs,
and online gaming, facilitate terrorist cooperation. Conventional forums, like
jihadi forums and chat rooms, persist alongside unconventional platforms.
Facebook and Twitter serve jihadists for sharing operational information,
attracting recruits, propaganda dissemination, and intelligence gathering on
potential targets and attack schedules.
The
internet has played a crucial role in enhancing informal networks and
increasing the number of terrorist actors involved in cooperation. It enables
rapid and cost-effective connections between terrorist actors across various
locations. Recruiters use social media to outsource recruitment, reaching a
broader audience and streamlining the formation of geographically dispersed
cells.
Jytte
Klausen highlights how social media facilitates recruitment outsourcing to hubs
of militants outside war zones, expanding organizational reach. Moghadam's
study emphasizes the online influence of jihadi spiritual authorities, such as
Ahmad Musa Jibril and Musa Cerantonio, who use platforms like Twitter to
provide spiritual support, disseminating jihadi material to followers. These
"disseminators" serve as a bridge between official accounts in Arabic
and non-Arabic speakers in Western countries.
Regarding
internet platforms for terrorist cooperation, conventional forums like jihadi
forums and chat rooms, alongside unconventional platforms such as social media,
private websites, blogs, and internet gaming, play a significant role. Despite
a shift towards unconventional forums, conventional ones remain important, with
five to fifteen jihadi forums active at any given time, according to Thomas
Hegghammer.
Chat rooms
are widely used for radicalization and cooperation between terrorist actors, as
seen in reports of Finnish foreign fighters joining Al-Qaeda affiliates in
Syria after engaging in chat room conversations.
Facebook is
a prominently used platform by jihadists, serving four main purposes: sharing
operational manuals and tactics, attracting potential recruits, acting as a
propaganda outlet, and gathering intelligence on potential targets and attack
schedules. Twitter is another favoured social networking site for jihadists due
to its simple user interface and immediate public sharing function, utilized by
various jihadist groups, including Al-Qaeda affiliates, the Islamic State, and
Boko Haram, to disseminate propaganda and communicate with like-minded
individuals and groups.
What It
Realized Through Presence in Cyberspace
Terrorist
organizations such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS consider media, especially social media
networks, crucial for various purposes like psychological warfare,
indoctrination, recruitment, and funding. Despite significant territorial
losses, ISIS has utilized platforms like Telegram and Google+ to disseminate
propaganda and promote lone-wolf attacks in the West, framing them as revenge
for perceived attacks on Muslim civilians and assistance to the Islamic
Caliphate.
In a
message dated August 2018, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi acknowledged the
group's territorial setbacks, urging unity among its members. He endorsed
lone-wolf attacks in the West, advocating for simple methods like shootings,
stabbings, or bombings, including driving into crowds.
Similarly,
ISIS has weaponized social media, emphasizing themes like maintaining unity
among jihadists, portraying apostate Muslim leaders as betrayers of Islam,
labelling the United States as the primary enemy of Islam, claiming U.S.
weakening, and asserting that the United States is stealing Muslim oil.
•
importance of keeping unity among jihadists;
•
claim that “apostate Muslim leaders are betraying Islam”;
•
United States as the primary enemy of Islam;
•
claim that “the United States is weakening”;
•
claim that “the United States is stealing Muslim oil”.
Impact
On the Targeted Audience
Analysing
historical, political, and cultural aspects of right-wing extremism reveals
commonalities in terms of target audience, conduits, and messages. Treating the
impact of their similar narratives collectively underscores a fundamental
dynamic. The current socio-political context, marked by immigration,
stagnation, cultural, social, and economic crises, along with the fear of
terrorism, forms a backdrop that unites European countries in various patterns
and degrees.
The extreme
right has strategically capitalized on this sensitive historical period, not
merely relying on nostalgia but effectively exploiting the social shock of
globalization and its ensuing instability. The approach involves addressing the
need for security and responding to both old and new social fears with strong
and radical (clearly defined) identities.
It's
noteworthy that the extreme right leverages current media, discourse, and
network opportunities, utilizing offline activities, new technologies (web and
social media), transnationalism, and modernized ideology, rhetoric, and methods
as strategic tools. This serves their purposes of self-presentation,
campaigning, recruitment, communal identity building, audience engagement, and
mobilization.
To maximize
their social reach and appeal, the extreme right targets both male and female
individuals, regardless of educational background. They attract a broad
demographic, including young (high-school/university-age) to middle-aged
individuals from both advantaged and disadvantaged social segments. This
encompasses socially and politically active individuals, drawing from both old
right-wing extremist circles and the new conservative spectrum.
Unveiling a
common logic or leitmotif, the extremist message offers a simplified and
universal solution to the ongoing transition, upholding the easier and more
attractive path of rejection against the harder and unknown transformation.
Recognizing this, the real challenge lies in making the latter even more
seductive.
•
Self-presentation;
•
Campaigning;
•
Recruitment;
•
Communal Identity building;
•
Engagement of the audience;
•
Mobilisation.
Conclusion
In
conclusion, it is imperative to emphasize that extremist movements or
organizations pose not only potential risks to public order but also have a
profound impact on individuals, significantly affecting the lives of their
victims. A thorough understanding of this impact and its consequences can
inform the development of future policies. Alongside victimization and the
implications for the democratic legal system, careful consideration should be
given to the association of illegality with extremist actions, as these two
aspects have often been closely intertwined.
Part One
of the Article: Islamic
Terrorism In Cyberspace: Changing Frontiers Of Global Muslim Terrorism
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A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir
V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance
journalist.
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/isis-cyberspace-terrorism-part-two/d/131451
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