Radicalization on the Internet: Risk of terrorism grows in Austria!

Radicalization on the Internet: Risk of terrorism grows in Austria!

in Villach, where the investigation runs after a suspected Islamist terrorist attack, the urgency of the debate about radicalization on the Internet becomes increasingly clear. According to reports from kaernten.orf.at , the Syrian suspect, which is held responsible for the attack, has been radicalized online within a very short time. Paul Schliefsteiner, director of the Austrian Center for Secret Service and Security Research at the University of Graz, emphasizes that radicalization is made much faster today than a few years ago. The role of social media and its algorithms, which users lead to increasing ideological echo chambers, is particularly problematic here.

rising terrorist risk in Germany and Austria

The situation is not only alarming in Austria. As ZDF reported , numerous acts of violence have recently been committed, which the security situation also tenses. Peter Neumann, terrorism expert, warns of a new quality of radicalization, which is particularly evident through the algorithmic reinforcement of content on the Internet. The radicalized often end up in closed groups, where they exchange ideas and possibly plan attacks. This development, which can be carried out over a period of only a few weeks or months, is difficult to recognize for the security authorities and requires new strategies in dealing with social media.

Neumann urgently demands that social media regulate more strictly because these platforms have become a breeding ground for extremist ideologies. The recent incidents in Villach and the increasing number of terrorist attacks in Germany show that measures for prevention and improved security awareness are indispensable. The discussion about how to encounter such developments is now picking up speed, while the political decision -makers are under pressure to develop effective strategies.