Online radicalisation, extremism and terrorism: our research within the ALLIES project

As the EU-funded ALLIES project draws to a close, we are sharing the results of our research into the phenomenon of online radicalisation. These efforts have led to the creation of innovative tools, including a unified taxonomy and a risk assessment module, which are now part of the project’s toolbox. These tools aim to address the growing challenge of identifying and managing terrorist content online.

Our research focused on understanding how extremist groups – such as jihadist organisations and far-right movements – exploit the internet to achieve their goals. We examined the methods used by these groups to disseminate propaganda, recruit new members and incite violence. The study also highlighted the key objectives, narratives and strategies behind their online activities, providing insights into the mechanisms of radicalisation in the digital age.

The ALLIES (AI-based framework for supporting micro (and small) HSPs on the report and removaL of onLIne tErroriSt content) project was launched to help Hosting Service Providers (HSPs) meet the requirements introduced by the EU’s Terrorist Content Online (TCO) Regulation. This imposes strict obligations to identify and remove terrorist content within one hour.

The report is available here.