Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security…

Question

Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Non-state actors have misused the internet and social media for ISIS recruitment, glorifying militancy in Kashmir, spreading communal rumours and directing terror attacks in real time. Section 69A blocking under the Shreya Singhal safeguards, state monitoring cells, counter-narratives and global cooperation can curb the threat.

**Introduction**

The 2014 arrest of the Bengaluru executive behind the pro-ISIS handle "ShamiWitness" showed how one anonymous account can radicalise followers across continents, giving non-state actors reach and anonymity at almost no cost.

**Misuse of Internet and Social Media in the Recent Past**

SKETCH: flow | Online Radicalisation Pipeline
- Propaganda video
- Online grooming
- Encrypted chat
- Recruitment or attack

1. **ISIS recruitment**: Youths from Kalyan (2014) and about 21 people, mostly from Kerala's Kasaragod (2016), left to join ISIS after online contact with handlers.
2. **Glorifying militancy**: Burhan Wani's Facebook videos drew Kashmiri youth into militancy, and after his killing in July 2016 social media mobilised street violence.
3. **Rumours and panic**: Morphed images triggered the 2012 exodus of North-East people from Bengaluru, and a fake video fuelled the Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013.
4. **Terror operations**: The 26/11 attackers' handlers guided them through VoIP calls in real time, and the group had used Google Earth imagery for reconnaissance.

**Effective Guidelines to Curb the Threat**

1. **Legal clarity**: Blocking under Section 69A should follow the reasoned procedure upheld in Shreya Singhal (2015), with defined platform duties.
2. **Monitoring cells**: Every state needs a cell like the Mumbai Police Social Media Lab (2013), linked to central agencies for quick takedowns.
3. **Counter-narratives**: Community voices and de-radicalisation programmes like Maharashtra's can reach vulnerable youth first.
4. **Global cooperation**: Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties and hash-sharing with platforms can deny extremists safe havens abroad.

**Conclusion**

Calibrated surveillance, platform accountability and counter-narratives can deny non-state actors the digital space while protecting free speech and comprehensive national security.

Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

Model answer

Practise this question

Social Networking Sites4 questions

Ghissu