Tech Against Terrorism Issues Critical Warning on Hezbollah Content: Platforms Must Act Now Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict

As the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, the online spread of terrorist content continues to grow. Tech Against Terrorism (TAT) is taking direct action by significantly increasing its capacity to monitor and alert platforms to remove Hezbollah-related terrorist material.  

London, 4 October 2024 – Hezbollah content continues to thrive online despite its well-known ties to terrorism. Tech Against Terrorism asks tech platforms to act now amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, more needs to be done to ensure that this material is eliminated swiftly and effectively. 

Tech Against Terrorism is taking a proactive approach, expanding the scope of its Terrorist Content Analytics Platform (TCAP) to monitor and alert platforms to Hezbollah’s military operations, overseen by the Jihad Council. Tech Against Terrorism will systematically send alerts and hash terrorist material related to Hezbollah’s military wing, ensuring it can be identified and swiftly removed. We will also report on the responsiveness of platforms, sharing this information with governments, regulators, and industry watchdogs to hold the appropriate parties accountable. 

Executive Director’s Statement: 

Adam Hadley, Executive Director and founder of Tech Against Terrorism, commented: 

"As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, we are seeing a concerning rise in Hezbollah-related terrorist content online. Tech platforms must act decisively to remove this material, which fuels extremism and poses a direct threat to global security. At Tech Against Terrorism, we are increasing our efforts by expanding the capabilities of our Terrorist Content Analytics Platform to ensure Hezbollah’s military propaganda is swiftly identified and taken down. The online presence of terrorist groups cannot be tolerated, and we will continue to hold platforms and regulators accountable to prevent further harm." 

Reasons for Inclusion: 

• Hezbollah’s military wing is directed by the Jihad Council, which oversees all military operations, including intelligence-gathering, weapons procurement, and the planning of attacks outside Lebanon. 

• Since the mid-1990s, the Military Wing has supported other designated terrorist groups, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas' Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades. 

• Hezbollah’s military wing has been involved in terrorist activities across the United States, Europe, and Latin America, and is suspected of coordinating attacks and intelligence-gathering activities targeting Western interests. 

• The entity maintains an active online presence, disseminating official content through its Military Media Unit (MMU), with a growing audience since the escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict in October 2023.