UN Panel Calls for Internet and Social Media Companies to Combat Extremist Groups' Online Presence

A report by the United Nations panel of experts monitoring sanctions against extremist groups has highlighted the growing threat of extremist groups' use of the internet and social media to recruit fighters and spread propaganda. The report, circulated to the Security Council on Wednesday, recommends that internet and social media companies brief the Security Council committee monitoring sanctions against al-Qaida, its affiliates, and the Islamic State group on measures to prevent such exploitation. The panel noted that the scale of digital activity linked to the Islamic State group and some al-Qaida affiliates has strategic implications for how the threat from extremists will evolve in the coming years.

Key Takeaways:

• The report highlights the growth of "high-definition digital terror" by extremist groups, including the use of propaganda to spread fear and promote their ideology.
• The scale of digital activity linked to the Islamic State group and some al-Qaida affiliates has strategic implications for how the threat from extremists will evolve in the coming years.
• The Internet's impact on extremist groups is one facet highlighted in the report, which covers the global threats posed by al-Qaida, its affiliates, and the Islamic State group.
• The panel recommends that internet and social media companies brief the sanctions committee on measures to prevent extremist groups' online presence.
• Al-Qaida and its affiliates still pose a serious threat in many parts of the world, despite the Islamic State group's control of large swaths of Syria and Iraq.
• The Islamic State group has "achieved what al-Qaida never did: the building of a territorial entity through terrorist violence."
• Boko Haram has expanded deadly incursions into Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, but its ability to maintain control over northeastern Nigeria will require heavier weaponry and access to natural resources.
• The Indonesia-based extremist network Jemaah Islamiyah appears to be reviving and recruiting professionals, including engineers and information specialists, which could pose a significant long-term threat to southeast Asia.
• The report notes that al-Qaida's leader Ayman al-Zawahiri's grip on affiliates appears to be weakening, and Al-Qaida's financial position remains precarious compared to the Islamic State group.
• Southern Libya remains a "safe haven" for extremists planning attacks in the Maghreb and Sahel regions.

Statistics:

• The report notes that the human cost of attacks by extremist groups has been enormous in recent months.
• According to the report, the Islamic State group has carried out major bombings, assassinations, and exploited several million people in Iraq, Syria, and parts of Afghanistan, Libya, Nigeria, Somalia, and Yemen.
• Al-Qaida and its affiliates kill thousands of people each year.
• The Islamic State group controls large swaths of Syria and Iraq.
• Boko Haram has expanded deadly incursions into Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

Sources:

• United Nations Security Council report, circulated on Wednesday
• Associated Press, "FILE - This undated file image posted on a militant website on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, which has been verified and is consistent with other AP reporting, shows fighters from the al-Qaida linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), now called the Islamic State group, marching in Raqqa, Syria."