Contextual
Resources
Once a government or tech company develops a definition of terrorism or violent extremism, it can be difficult to know how to apply these definitions to the variety of ways that terrorism and violent extremism manifests internationally and across online spaces.
This section of the site aims to highlight contextual resources on themes related to applying definitions to the online space. GIFCT funds the Global Network on Extremism and Technology (GNET) to bring forward actionable insights from experts and practitioners around the world to better inform and give context to tech companies, governments, practitioners and other stakeholders in this field. Insights are curated here under context-based themes.
Filters
World Events
Christchurch Terrorist Attack and the Christchurch Call to Action
Far-Right
World Events
While robust policies and legislation on defining terrorism and violent extremism might be in place, it can be difficult to know how definitions apply to major global events. In recent years there have been significant offline events that impact counterterrorism and counter-extremism efforts online. The following key events highlight where global researchers have analyzed the impacts of these moments on the online space, focussing on how terrorist and violent extremist actors are using platforms around these events and where solutions can be found.
Christchurch Terrorist Attack and the Christchurch Call to Action
The Christchurch terrorist attack in New Zealand in March 2019 marked a significant moment for counterterrorism efforts online. Weaponizing live streaming of the attack, the event highlighted the significance of international multi stakeholder synchronized responses to crises and prompted the creation of the Christchurch Call to Action. Additionally, the attack brought a renewed interest in the spread of right-wing extremism across various online spaces.
Far-Right
Insights can aid in contextualizing the overall ideology and diversity of groups implied by the term “Far-Right”. Relevant research focusing on the Far-Right and White Supremacy present useful explorations of how groups have attempted to exploit and sometimes been deplatformed by platforms, along with wider exposés on global online far right activity. Additionally, available research hones in on particular groups such as QAnon, the Proud Boys, amongst others.
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10th June 2022The Gamification of Violent Extremism: An Empirical Exploration of the Christchurch AttackDr. Suraj Lakhani
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26th April 2021From Gangs to Groupuscules & Solo-Actor Terrorism: New Zealand Far-Right Narratives and Counter-Narratives in the Context of the Christchurch AttackDr. William Allchorn
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18th January 2021Beyond the “LULZ:” Memifying Murder as ‘Meaningful’ Gamification in Far-Right ContentAshley Mattheis
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14th December 2020After Christchurch: Mapping Online Right-Wing ExtremistsLise Waldek, Dr. Brian Ballsun-Stanton, Dr. Julian Droogan
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24th March 2020Two Years On: Understanding the Resonance of the Christchurch Attack on Imageboard SitesMilo Comerford, Jakob Guhl and Elise Thomas