Radicalisation and terrorism

The internet is playing an increasingly prominent role in radicalisation, extremism and terrorism.

Terrorists use websites as sources of ideological inspiration, to contact each other and for practical purposes, such as finding manuals on how to make explosives.

Terrorism on the internet

Examples of terrorism on the internet are:

  • texts that incite violence;
  • instructions on how best to commit terrorist attacks;
  • extremist films or sound clips;
  • threats to people or institutions, for example on a forum.

The government takes radical and terrorist postings on the internet very seriously. Anyone who finds such a posting can report it to the Cyber Crime Reporting Website.

Role of the internet in radicalisation, extremism and terrorism

Research by the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) shows that jihadists use the internet as a means to spread propaganda and recruit people. Terrorists can also use the internet to contact each other. The role of the internet in radicalisation should not be underestimated.