The “Electronic Jihad” - How Social Media are Used for Disseminating Terrorist Propaganda

Communication technology and social media in particular have a decisive effect on expanding the global community of terrorist organizations. More than any other terrorist group in history, the Islamic State organization (also known as ISIS, ISIL or Daesh) has made the most of social networks to increase its efforts and achieve its violent goals. The Europol study shows that about 150 different social media platforms have been used by this terrorist organization as a means of recruiting and to spread propaganda using high quality videos and other media. The term “electronic jihad” was launched by Professor Martin Rudner, a researcher at Carleton University. The clear components of this electronic jihad are propaganda, misinformation, subversion, and the attempt to destroy the moral values of the Western world.