--- title: "Press Release: Why Are the Houthis Allowed to Weaponise the Internet?" description: 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.   image: https://techagainstterrorism.org/hubfs/purple%20TaT%20thiumbnail.png --- [Skip to the main content.](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/why-are-the-houthis-allowed-to-weaponise-the-internet#main-content) [![TAT White logo - Left](https://techagainstterrorism.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20and%20icons/TAT%20White%20logo%20-%20Left.png?width=3719&height=1451&name=TAT%20White%20logo%20-%20Left.png "TAT White logo - Left")](https://techagainstterrorism.org/home) [![TAT White logo - Left](https://techagainstterrorism.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20and%20icons/TAT%20White%20logo%20-%20Left.png?width=450&height=175&name=TAT%20White%20logo%20-%20Left.png "TAT White logo - Left")](https://techagainstterrorism.org/home) - About Us - [About Us](https://techagainstterrorism.org/about) - [How we work](https://techagainstterrorism.org/how-we-work) - [Careers](https://techagainstterrorism.org/careers) - [Contact Us](https://techagainstterrorism.org/contact-us) - What We Do - Solutions - Archive Database - [Research Portal](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tcap-adrp) - [Content Hash List API](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tcap-adhla) - [Knowledge Sharing Platform](https://techagainstterrorism.org/ksp) - [Terrorist Content Analytics Platform](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tcap) - [Automated Content Alerts](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tcap-aca) - [Trusted Flagger Platform](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tfp) - [Altitude Content Moderation](https://techagainstterrorism.org/altitude) - Services - [Mentorship](https://techagainstterrorism.org/mentorship) - [Trustmark](https://techagainstterrorism.org/trustmark) - [Bespoke Support](https://techagainstterrorism.org/bespoke-support) - Membership - [Network](https://techagainstterrorism.org/network) - Analysis - [Podcast](https://podcast.techagainstterrorism.org/) - [Reports](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/reports) - Guides - [Online Regulation Series](https://techagainstterrorism.org/online-regulation-series) - [Transparency Reporting Guidelines](https://transparency.techagainstterrorism.org/) - [Analysis](https://techagainstterrorism.org/analysis) - News and Events - [News](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news) - Dispatches by TAT - [Dispatches](https://techagainstterrorism.org/dispatches) Search Toggle Menu Search Toggle Menu - About Us - [About Us](https://techagainstterrorism.org/about) - [How we work](https://techagainstterrorism.org/how-we-work) - [Careers](https://techagainstterrorism.org/careers) - [Contact Us](https://techagainstterrorism.org/contact-us) - What We Do - Solutions - Archive Database - [Research Portal](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tcap-adrp) - [Content Hash List API](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tcap-adhla) - [Knowledge Sharing Platform](https://techagainstterrorism.org/ksp) - [Terrorist Content Analytics Platform](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tcap) - [Automated Content Alerts](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tcap-aca) - [Trusted Flagger Platform](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tfp) - [Altitude Content Moderation](https://techagainstterrorism.org/altitude) - Services - [Mentorship](https://techagainstterrorism.org/mentorship) - [Trustmark](https://techagainstterrorism.org/trustmark) - [Bespoke Support](https://techagainstterrorism.org/bespoke-support) - Membership - [Network](https://techagainstterrorism.org/network) - Analysis - [Podcast](https://podcast.techagainstterrorism.org/) - [Reports](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/reports) - Guides - [Online Regulation Series](https://techagainstterrorism.org/online-regulation-series) - [Transparency Reporting Guidelines](https://transparency.techagainstterrorism.org/) - [Analysis](https://techagainstterrorism.org/analysis) - News and Events - [News](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news) - Dispatches by TAT - [Dispatches](https://techagainstterrorism.org/dispatches) [Facebook](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/why-are-the-houthis-allowed-to-weaponise-the-internet#0) [Instagram](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/why-are-the-houthis-allowed-to-weaponise-the-internet#0) [Linkedin](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/linkedin.com/company/tech-against-terrorism) [X](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/why-are-the-houthis-allowed-to-weaponise-the-internet#0) [YouTube](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/why-are-the-houthis-allowed-to-weaponise-the-internet#0) [Medium](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/why-are-the-houthis-allowed-to-weaponise-the-internet#0) 2 min read # Press Release: Why Are the Houthis Allowed to Weaponise the Internet? [Tech Against Terrorism](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/author/tech-against-terrorism) Jan 28, 2025 12:20:08 PM [News](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/news) [Press Release](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/press-release) *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:  - 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 - 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 - 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 - Global Security Undermined: The Houthis’ misuse of the internet enables them to shape narratives, influence politics, and embolden their operations with little accountability. - 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:  - Shut down the Houthi propaganda engine: Enhance algorithms and moderation to swiftly identify and remove Houthi-affiliated content.  - Expose their online networks: Expand transparency reporting to reveal the scale of terrorist use of their platforms.  - Prioritise global security: Collaborate with governments to curb the Houthis’ misuse of digital tools.  - Combat digital double standards: Treat the online space with the same seriousness as the physical battlefield.  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. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) - [News (61)](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/news) - [Press Release (33)](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/press-release) - [Tech Responses (10)](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/tech-responses) - [Online Regulation (9)](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/online-regulation) - [Reports (8)](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/reports) - [Content Moderation (7)](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/content-moderation) - [Terrorism (7)](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/terrorism) - [Regulation (5)](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/regulation) [![Press Release: Tech Against Terrorism Calls for Digital Action Against the Houthis Following Canadian Designation](https://techagainstterrorism.org/hubfs/purple%20TaT%20thiumbnail%20%281%29.webp)](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tech-against-terrorism-calls-for-digital-action-against-the-houthis-following-canadian-designation) #### [Press Release: Tech Against Terrorism Calls for Digital Action Against the Houthis Following Canadian Designation](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tech-against-terrorism-calls-for-digital-action-against-the-houthis-following-canadian-designation) [Tech Against Terrorism](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/author/tech-against-terrorism) : Dec 10, 2024 10:14:21 AM Tech Against Terrorism welcomes Canada's decision to designate Ansarallah, known as the Houthis, as a terrorist entity. This designation underscores... [News](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/news) [Press Release](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/press-release) [Read More](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tech-against-terrorism-calls-for-digital-action-against-the-houthis-following-canadian-designation) [![Tech Against Terrorism Announces Partnership with the University of Birmingham for Groundbreaking PhD Studentship](https://techagainstterrorism.org/hubfs/purple%20TaT%20thiumbnail.png)](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tech-against-terrorism-commends-australias-esafety-commissioners-initiative-to-combat-terrorist-and-violent-extremist-content-online-0) #### [Tech Against Terrorism Announces Partnership with the University of Birmingham for Groundbreaking PhD Studentship](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tech-against-terrorism-commends-australias-esafety-commissioners-initiative-to-combat-terrorist-and-violent-extremist-content-online-0) [Tech Against Terrorism](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/author/tech-against-terrorism) : Apr 17, 2024 4:30:55 PM Tech Against Terrorism (TAT) is pleased to announce its partnership with the Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding... [News](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/news) [Press Release](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/press-release) [Read More](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tech-against-terrorism-commends-australias-esafety-commissioners-initiative-to-combat-terrorist-and-violent-extremist-content-online-0) [![UN Security Council Calls on Somali Government to Work with Tech Against Terrorism](https://techagainstterrorism.org/hubfs/Flag-United-Nations.webp)](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/un-security-council-calls-on-somali-government-to-work-with-tat) 1 min read #### [UN Security Council Calls on Somali Government to Work with Tech Against Terrorism](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/un-security-council-calls-on-somali-government-to-work-with-tat) [Tech Against Terrorism](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/author/tech-against-terrorism) : Mar 21, 2024 8:38:25 AM UN Security Council Resolution looks to Tech Against Terrorism to support the Somali government in identifying and disrupting Al-Shabaab terrorist... [UN](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/un) [News](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/news) [Press Release](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/press-release) [Read More](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/un-security-council-calls-on-somali-government-to-work-with-tat) ##### Tech Against Terrorism Tech Against Terrorism - [About](https://techagainstterrorism.org/about) - [How we work](https://techagainstterrorism.org/how-we-work) ##### Solutions Solutions - [Terrorist Content Analytics Platform](https://techagainstterrorism.org/terrorist-content-analytics-platform) - [Automated Content Alerts](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tcap-aca) - [Knowledge Sharing Platform](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tcap-aca) - Archive Database - [Research Portal](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tcap-adrp) - [Content Hash List API](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tcap-adhla) - [Trusted Flagger Platform](https://techagainstterrorism.org/tfp) - [Altitude](https://techagainstterrorism.org/altitude) ##### Analysis Analysis - [Dispatches by TAT](https://techagainstterrorism.org/dispatches) - [Podcast](https://podcast.techagainstterrorism.org/) - [Reports](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/tag/reports) - [News](https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/news/tag/news) - [Analysis](https://techagainstterrorism.org/analysis) ##### Contact us Contact us [+44 (0)203 858 0377](tel:+442038580377) [**General enquiries:** contact@techagainstterrorism.org](mailto:contact@techagainstterrorism.org) [![TAT Black logo - Left](https://techagainstterrorism.org/hubfs/Brand%20and%20icons/TAT%20Black%20logo%20-%20Left.png)](https://techagainstterrorism.org) - [Privacy Policy](https://techagainstterrorism.org/privacy-policy) © 2026 Tech Against Terrorism [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-against-terrorism/) Return to top ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Tech Against Terrorism", "url" : "https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/author/tech-against-terrorism" }, "dateModified" : "2025-08-18T10:36:04.950Z", "datePublished" : "2025-01-28T12:20:08.000Z", "headline" : "Press Release: Why Are the Houthis Allowed to Weaponise the Internet?", "image" : [ "https://techagainstterrorism.org/hubfs/purple%20TaT%20thiumbnail.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://techagainstterrorism.org/news/why-are-the-houthis-allowed-to-weaponise-the-internet", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://techagainstterrorism.org/hubfs/TAT%20Logo-2.png" }, "name" : "Tech Against Terrorism" } } ```