Why is it in the news?
- India highlighted the ongoing threat of online radicalization as a significant challenge to global security during the 19th Interpol Conference of Heads of National Central Bureaux.
| Radicalization
· Defined as the process where individuals or groups adopt radical ideologies condoning violence, including terrorism, to achieve specific goals. · Exploited through internet platforms, especially social media, for radicalization, indoctrination, recruitment, and financing. |
Role of Internet in Challenging National Security
- Social media serves as an echo chamber for spreading propaganda, disinformation, conspiracy theories, hate speech, and inciting violence. For instance, Kozhikode arson case.
- Facilitates terror fundraising campaigns, utilizing virtual or crypto assets that are hard to track.
- Techniques like micro-targeting and psychological profiling enable strategic tailoring of radical content.
- Increase in cybercrimes and organized crimes linked to online activities.
Challenges in Addressing Internet Security Concerns
- Associated anonymity complicates identification and tracking.
- Use of deepfakes for misinformation.
- Difficulties in enforcing laws across different cross-border jurisdictions.
- Privacy concerns hinder effective law enforcement.
Way Forward
- Targeted counter-narrative campaigns to debunk misinformation and disrupt echo chambers.
- Implementation of content moderation and fact-checking measures.
- Promotion of international cooperation among law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies, and policymakers.
- Strengthening cybersecurity measures while regulating virtual and crypto assets.
| Interpol
· Established in 1923 as an inter-governmental organization. · Facilitate information exchange between national police forces. · 196 member countries, including India. · Organizational Structure: General Assembly, General Secretariat, Executive Committee, and National Central Bureaus (NCBs). · Central Bureau of India (CBI) serves as India’s designated NCB.
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