Digital spaces are new radicalisation centres: Soumya Awasthi
The world is witnessing a significant shift in the way radicalisation is taking place, and it’s no longer limited to traditional institutions. With the rise of digital platforms, social media, short videos, and gaming, the landscape of radicalisation has undergone a drastic transformation. According to Soumya Awasthi, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), digital spaces have become the new breeding grounds for extremist ideologies. In a recent statement, Awasthi highlighted the alarming trend of radicalisation in India, where digital platforms are playing a significant role in influencing the youth and spreading extremist ideologies.
The recent Delhi Red Fort blast has brought the issue of radicalisation back into the spotlight, and Awasthi’s comments come at a time when the country is grappling with the challenges of terrorism and extremist violence. “More and more people are getting radicalised through digital space,” she said, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to counter this growing threat. The statement is a stark reminder of the changing dynamics of radicalisation and the need for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and civil society to adapt to the new reality.
The role of social media in radicalisation is well-documented, and Awasthi’s comments only reinforce the fact that digital platforms have become a key conduit for extremist ideologies. Social media platforms, with their vast reach and accessibility, have made it easier for extremist groups to disseminate their ideology and recruit new members. The spread of misinformation, hate speech, and propaganda has become a significant challenge, and social media companies are struggling to keep pace with the evolving nature of online threats.
Short videos, in particular, have emerged as a powerful tool for radicalisation. The proliferation of short-form video content on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram has created new avenues for extremist groups to spread their message. These videos, often designed to be attention-grabbing and provocative, can be easily shared and disseminated, making them an effective tool for radicalisation. Awasthi’s comments highlight the need for greater scrutiny of short-form video content and the importance of developing strategies to counter the spread of extremist ideologies through these platforms.
Gaming is another area that has been identified as a potential breeding ground for radicalisation. Online gaming communities, with their often-anonymous nature and emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie, can provide a fertile ground for extremist ideologies to take root. Awasthi’s comments suggest that gaming platforms need to be monitored more closely, and gamers need to be educated about the potential risks of radicalisation.
The issue of terror funding is also closely linked to digital spaces. Awasthi’s comments suggest that digital platforms are being used to raise funds for extremist activities, and this trend is likely to continue unless robust measures are put in place to prevent it. The use of cryptocurrencies, online payment systems, and social media platforms has made it easier for extremist groups to raise and transfer funds, making it a challenging task for law enforcement agencies to track and disrupt these networks.
So, what can be done to counter the growing threat of radicalisation in digital spaces? Awasthi’s comments emphasize the need for a multi-faceted approach that involves policymakers, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and the private sector. This includes developing strategies to counter online extremism, improving digital literacy, and promoting counter-narratives to extremist ideologies. It also requires social media companies to take greater responsibility for the content hosted on their platforms and to work more closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and disrupt extremist networks.
In conclusion, the comments made by Soumya Awasthi highlight the alarming trend of radicalisation in digital spaces. The shift from traditional institutions to digital platforms has created new challenges for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and civil society. It requires a comprehensive approach that involves multiple stakeholders and a willingness to adapt to the evolving nature of online threats. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the role of digital spaces in radicalisation and to develop strategies to counter this growing threat.
