The Houthis’ continued unchecked exploitation of digital platforms in complete disregard of US law undermines global counter-terrorism efforts and enables their operations to flourish.
Key Points:
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The Houthis: now a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) in the US - conduct aggressions against the US Navy in the Red Sea and targets civilians within Israel
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A Double Standard in Counter-Terrorism: While sanctions and military action target the Houthis on the ground, their ability to dominate the online space remains largely unaddressed
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Exploiting the Digital Space: The Houthis use major social media platforms to amplify propaganda, incite violence, and manipulate public opinion, posing a direct threat to US national security
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Global Security Undermined: The Houthis’ misuse of the internet enables them to shape narratives, influence politics, and embolden their operations with little accountability.
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Urgent Tech Industry Action Needed: Leading platforms must comply with US law in support of US military efforts against the Houthis.
London, 28 January 2025 - Tech Against Terrorism welcomes the United States’ decision to designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). We urge the global community to focus on the Houthis’ growing digital influence as a priority.
The Houthis have mastered the art of manipulating online channels to generate domestic and international support, project an illusion of invincibility, and further their ability to conduct operations against the US and Israel. Their apparent free rein on digital platforms is not only a glaring blind spot but a dangerous inconsistency in how we address terrorism.
How can we justify applauding sanctions and military efforts while allowing these same groups to thrive unchecked in the digital space?
The Houthis’ continued ability to disregard international law, including designation as an FTO by the US, is shocking. Their continued misuse of digital platforms is a critical failure in the fight against terrorism. The online space is now a key battleground, and allowing groups like the Houthis to operate unchecked undermines global security. Tech platforms and governments must act urgently to close this dangerous loophole.
Call to Action:
The Houthis’ misuse of online platforms challenges the very principles of justice and accountability that underpin counter-terrorism policies. To combat this, we call on major tech platforms to take urgent action:
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Shut down the Houthi propaganda engine: Enhance algorithms and moderation to swiftly identify and remove Houthi-affiliated content.
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Expose their online networks: Expand transparency reporting to reveal the scale of terrorist use of their platforms.
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Prioritise global security: Collaborate with governments to curb the Houthis’ misuse of digital tools.
By allowing groups like the Houthis to exploit online technologies, we send a dangerous message: that terrorism can thrive unchecked in the digital age. This must change.
Tech Against Terrorism is committed to supporting this fight and stands ready to work with governments and tech companies to ensure no terrorist group, including the Houthis, has free rein to weaponise the internet against civilians and states alike.
