Inadequate content moderation by Telegram and X is potentially at risk of enabling far-right extremists to incite riots and disseminate terrorist content across the UK.
7 August 2024 - Tech Against Terrorism is issuing an urgent alert regarding the potential organisation of riots across the UK by far-right extremists using Telegram. Extremists, linked to neo-Nazi and white supremacist ideologies, are seemingly exploiting these platforms to spread terrorist content, including the Christchurch attack footage, and incite violence and unrest. The situation underscores a concerted effort by extremist groups to destabilise communities and radicalise individuals.
A key Telegram channel, now removed, amassed over 15,000 users and shared a list of protest targets across the UK, including immigration-related sites. Copies of these posts were then shared on X, many of which remain unredacted, where they have received millions of views, demonstrating the massive reach and influence of far-right extremist networks exploiting these platforms. Despite the removal of the original Telegram channel, X has not taken down the images thereby allowing the content to continue circulating.
Recent intelligence suggests that channels linked to the Southport riots are highly likely being used to promote violent extremist narratives. This activity includes celebrating terrorist attacks and circulating racist propaganda targeting vulnerable communities. Some instigators in these channels are directly linked to terrorist activity, as evidenced by their sharing of the Christchurch attack footage. Additionally, the admin of one Telegram channel has shared a guide on how to commit arson attacks linked to a neo-Nazi violent extremist organisation.
At a time of national tension where online and on-street activity is so intrinsically linked, Tech Against Terrorism urges the public to exercise caution on the internet. Illegal content should be reported to the police and the platforms. Online activities such as sharing terrorist content and inciting violence are serious criminal offences.
Engaging in activities that promote hate, incite violence, or share terrorist content is illegal and can result in severe legal consequences. Law enforcement will act decisively against those involved in these activities.
Adam Hadley, Executive Director of Tech Against Terrorism says: “Telegram and X must take immediate action to improve their content moderation and proactively manage their platforms to prevent further spread of violent disinformation. Both platforms bear some moral responsibility for the risk of physical violence resulting from unchecked extremist activity.”
