A new United Nations report examines how extremist groups spread propaganda online and how governments worldwide are trying to respond. The study, prepared by the secretariat of the Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee, finds that propaganda now supports recruitment, fundraising and other core activities. It warns that these groups adapt their digital strategies faster than laws and policies can change, creating what it calls an acceleration gap.
One worrying trend is the targeting of children and young people, not only on social media but also through gaming platforms and other online spaces. The report also notes the growing use of artificial intelligence to produce persuasive extremist content quickly. To counter these threats, it urges governments to treat propaganda as a central part of terrorist operations rather than simple messaging. At the same time, it stresses that all responses must respect international human rights law.