GNET-关于技术在暴力极端主义中的作用以及研究界和科技行业参与状况的调查（英文）-2121.5-55页_1mb

GNET Survey on the Role of Technology in Violent Extremism and the State of Research Community - Tech Industry Engagement Summary

Core Content

The Global Network on Extremism and Technology (GNET) report, authored by Lydia Khalil, explores the complex and multifaceted role of technology, especially computer-mediated communications (CMC), in violent extremism. The report is part of a broader initiative by GNET, which is supported by the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) and led by the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) at King's College London.

The central question of the report is: What role does technology play in violent extremism? It highlights that while the Internet and social media have long been used by extremist actors for communication, recruitment, mobilisation, and attack planning, the exact nature of this relationship remains contested and complex.

Main Findings

Role of Technology in Violent Extremism

• The research community generally agrees that Internet-based communication supports, encourages, or mobilises real-world harm.
• The Internet is seen as a facilitative tool, not necessarily a cause of radicalisation.
• However, the Capitol Siege in 2021 raised new concerns about the causality of Internet technologies, suggesting that they may now play a more central role in radicalisation and mobilisation.
• Social media platforms have become critical in the formation of online communities, identity development, and the spread of extremist narratives.
• The "logic" of social media—its algorithms, user engagement, and information dissemination—has reshaped social orders and contributed to the growth of extremism.
• Extremist actors use the Internet in intuitive ways, often similar to how non-extremists do, which makes it challenging to distinguish their usage from general online activity.

Challenges in Research

• There is a lack of empirically grounded studies on the role of technology in violent extremism.
• Most literature reviews focus on jihadist actors, with limited attention to right-wing extremism and conspiratorial movements like QAnon.
• The pandemic and the increased use of the Internet have led to concerns about online radicalisation, though these are not yet substantiated.
• Data access remains a major barrier to research, as tech companies control the data on extremist activity.
• Primary data collection is still limited, with only a small percentage of studies using empirical data or primary sources.

Researcher Engagement with the Tech Industry

• Researchers are cautious and skeptical about tech industry engagement, citing issues such as lack of transparency, reactive approaches, and differing research priorities.
• There is cynicism about the seriousness and effectiveness of social media platforms in addressing violent extremism and harmful disinformation.
• Despite these concerns, there is increased collaboration between the tech industry and the research community, especially in the wake of the Capitol Siege.
• Researchers are interested in understanding how algorithmic logic and platform design contribute to the spread of extremist ideologies.

Key Insights

• No easy online-offline dichotomy exists in the context of violent extremism.
• Online radicalisation is not a monolithic process but varies based on ideology, organisational structure, and individual background.
• The Internet can act as an echo chamber, reinforcing extremist beliefs and facilitating identity formation.
• The rise of new technologies, such as end-to-end encryption and drones, has changed the tactics and operational capabilities of extremist groups.
• The research community is advancing in understanding the role of the Internet, but systematic data collection and access to platforms are still major challenges.

Conclusion

The report underscores the evolving role of technology in violent extremism and the need for deeper, more nuanced research. While the Internet is not the sole cause of radicalisation, it has become an important facilitator. The research community is increasingly aware of the complex interplay between online and offline spaces and the impact of platform logic on social dynamics. However, gaps in empirical research and limited access to data continue to hinder a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

The survey findings highlight the cautious yet engaged stance of researchers towards the tech industry, with a call for more transparency, collaboration, and data sharing to improve the quality and scope of research on this critical topic.