Terrorism in Modern Era

Terrorism in Modern Era:

The emergence of newer aspects of terrorism may necessitate a change in the definition of terrorism, encompassing both disruption and violence in cyber-techno space in the same way that physical devastation and violence are defined. Terrorist groups may have fewer members but still have a global reach thanks to new technology. Because computers are becoming more powerful, the threshold for state sponsorship may be lowered to the point where poor states can become sponsors and affluent states are no longer required for terrorist groups to carry out intricate assaults.

•       The so-called information revolution, with the unexpected rise of the internet since the 1990s, has been of growing societal significance. The internet offers terrorists and extremists the same opportunity and capability as the rest of society: to communicate, collaborate and convince. There are already significant quantities of radical materials available online, and this volume is growing daily.

Disseminating Propaganda and Information to Radicalize Individuals

•       Terrorists utilise the internet for various purposes, including the transmission of propaganda. In essence, propaganda takes the form of communication systems that provide ideological or practical training, interpretations, reasons, or encouragement of terrorist activities. Online messages, speeches, publications, writings, video and audio, and computer games made by terrorist organisations.

Operational Planning and Recruitment:

•       Terrorist organisations and sympathisers have access to a global pool of potential recruits due to the internet’s reach. Restricted access to cyber forums gives space for recruits to learn about terrorist organisations, contribute support to them, and engage in direct activities to pursue terrorist aims. Terrorist propaganda is usually designed to appeal to society’s most vulnerable and underprivileged populations. The process of recruiting and radicalisation frequently takes advantage of a person’s feelings of unfairness, marginalisation, or humiliation.

Incitement of Feelings and Process of Radicalisation:

•       The internet provides a wide range of material and options to download, edit, and disseminate materials that may be considered criminal glorification or instigation of terrorist attacks. Minors, who make up a large percentage of Internet users, may find the internet a particularly successful tool for recruitment. Cartoon characters, modern music videos, and video games are examples of propaganda delivered via the internet to attract minors.
•       Recruitment, radicalisation, and terrorism incitement can all be seen as stages on a path of radicalisation. radicalisation largely refers to the process of indoctrination that frequently occurs with the change of recruits into persons motivated to act violently in accordance with extremist ideals. Propaganda, whether delivered in person or on the internet, is frequently used in the radicalisation process. Depending on individual circumstances and relationships, the amount of time and efficacy of propaganda and other persuasive methods used differs according to terrorists.

Fundraising:

•       Terrorist organisations and their members may also utilise the internet to fund terrorist acts. Terrorists utilise the internet in four ways to gather and collect finances and resources: direct fundraising, e-commerce, online payment technologies, and charitable organisations. Some approaches include using websites, chat forums, bulk mailings, and targeted messaging to solicit funds from supporters. It is simple to transfer funds electronically between parties using online payment systems provided by dedicated websites or communications platforms.

Training:

•       Terrorist organisations have increasingly used the internet as an alternate training ground for terrorists. A rising number of media platforms are available for the distribution of practical guidance in online manuals, audio and video clips, information, and advice. These Internet platforms also provide detailed instructions on topics such as how to join terrorist organisations, how to make explosives, firearms, or other weapons or hazardous materials, and how to plan and execute terrorist attacks, often in an easily accessible multimedia format and in multiple languages. The internet networks serve as a kind of virtual boot camp. They’re also used to communicate specialised methodologies, techniques, or operational expertise with the intention of committing a terrorist act, among many other things.

A deliberate kind of political violence is terrorism. Its objectives span separatist movements, racial injustices, and social and political change. Democracies, particularly India, are frequent targets of terrorist attacks because the moral pillars of democracy (such as individual rights, freedom of speech, and expression) are formidable obstacles to those who wish to impose ideologies or religious beliefs on others by coercion. The cost in human lives and the threats to the tenets and values of modern civilization make the stakes in the fight against terrorism extremely high.