Terrorism on the Internet | National Coordinator for Counterterrorism

Terrorism on the Internet

The Internet facilitates global communication and information exchange. Terrorists and other radical individuals and groups exploit such media to spread propaganda, incite hatred and violence and issue threats. The Internet also plays a major role in the recruitment and mobilisation of individuals planning attacks. The government wants to prevent the Internet from being used for radical and terrorist purposes. The NCTb is coordinating policies in this area with the police, the Public Prosecution Service and the AIVD.

Our approach consists of trying to understand the problem better while simultaneously engaging in various activities to combat it. That is why for example research was done into the various ways in which jihadists make use of the internet . The police also established an online cybercrime hotline. Manifestations of radicalism and terrorism encountered on the Internet can be reported on its website: www.meldpuntcybercrime.nl. Furthermore monitoring and surveillance activities take place on the internet. The ‘Notice-and-Take Down’ code of conduct has been established with guidelines on how to deal with criminal information on the internet.

In addition to these nationally oriented initiatives, we are giving special attention to developing a common approach within the European Union. In particular, we are endeavouring to intensify Internet monitoring and ensure more exchange of information and best practices among EU member states.

The results of this approach will be reported evey six months in the progress report on counterterrorism.

More information

• Jihadists and the InternetReport | 25-05-2010 | pdf-document, 0.49 MBAt the beginning of 2007, the NCTb made the observation, in the in-depth study entitled ‘Jihadis and the Internet’ (hereafter to be referred to as the in-depth study), that jihadists were using the Internet in many ways as a resource, for example for propaganda and recruitment. In the same study the NCTb concluded that it was improbable that jihadists were using the Internet as a weapon or considering it a target. Both the Internet and jihadism are continuing to develop. That is why it became necessary to review the original assessment of the threat in the form of this ‘2009 update’. The accent is on changes that have occurred since the period from the end of 2006 to the end of 2009.
• Jihadis and the InternetReport | 24-02-2007 | pdf-document, 0.48 MBTerrorists and radical Muslims make extensive use of the internet. But a cyber attack on the internet is unlikely. Attacks using the internet as a weapon are also unlikely. The internet is, however, used extensively for training purposes and, possibly, in preparing for attacks, and it is an important means of spreading radical propaganda. These are the main conclusions of the 'Jihadis and the internet' report, published by the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism (NCTb).
• Cyber Crime Reporting Website (www.meldpuntcybercrime.nl)