The AIVD sees minors increasingly posing a terrorist threat because of their jihadist or right-wing terrorist ideology. The Internet plays an important role in the radicalization of these young people.
Online, they come into contact with jihadist and right-wing terrorist propaganda, which is not always recognizable as terrorist content. Low-threshold exposure to this propaganda combined with identity development and possible psychosocial problems can make minors susceptible to radicalization. To counter this threat, customization is necessary. Customization can range from assistance and guidance to the use of the juvenile justice system. This is stated in the letter that Minister Uitermark of the Interior and Kingdom Relations sent to the Lower House today.
The AIVD currently sees dozens of minors who pose a threat to national security. In the publication "A web of hate - The online grip of extremism and terrorism on minors," the AIVD describes the threat posed by online radicalizing minors aged 12 to 17. These youths view, create and spread terrorist propaganda and, in many cases, also interact online with jihadists or supporters of right-wing terrorism. Planning or committing an attack is often a topic of conversation in this regard. The AIVD has found that in a few cases there are actual preparations to commit an attack.
Distribution of terrorist messages by minors often takes place through social media and gaming platforms such as Instagram, Discord, Roblox, Telegram and TikTok. Content sharing takes place in open chat groups and channels as well as in closed chat groups and in private online conversations. Within open chat groups and channels, not all extremist and terrorist propaganda is immediately recognizable. This is due to the use of subtle references to thought. For example, through the use of certain emoticons or words with double meanings. For example, jihadists using a black flag refer to ISIS and the word "kebab" within right-wing terrorist chat groups refers to Muslims.
In closed chat groups and private conversations, participants tend to share more explicit content. This may include images, videos or texts that confirm and substantiate the extremist or terrorist worldview. Or content that justifies and glorifies violence.
Virtually all jihadist content distributed online comes from supporters of ISIS. The underage followers actively spread jihadist content, talking about joining ISIS, among other things.
Right-wing terrorist content is based on several right-wing extremist movements, such as accelerationism. Accelerationists glorify terrorist violence in online groups with the goal of starting a race war. Anti-Semitism predominates within right-wing terrorist groups. These groups may also target other minorities and/or government institutions.
In order to counter the terrorist threat to minors, customization is needed. Customization that often consists of (a combination of) assistance, counseling and a criminal justice framework.
Sometimes the terrorist threat to minors can be removed with counseling. This can help minors break free from jihadist or right-wing terrorist ideology. In other cases, this approach is not effective enough. Then involving the juvenile justice chain, for example, is necessary. Close cooperation between the AIVD, other security chain partners, the social domain and the care domain can provide this needed customization.
Are there concerns about a minor? At Rijksoverheid.nl/hulp-bij-radicalisering is an overview of agencies that can help.
