Although the last two options seem a bit far-fetched and difficult for terrorists to carry out successfully, the first option is a viable threat. The instantaneous update capabilities could help the terrorists organise more precise and detrimental ambushes.
According to the SITE report, despite the use of Twitter, jihadists continue to be wary of networking sites such as Facebook. In response to a forum members’ suggestion to become friends on Facebook, Ansar al-Mujahideen posters cautioned that such a network of friends was a danger to Western jihadists. Several forum members noted that the risks of having their real identity tied to their online personas outweighed the potential gains from networking with other jihad supporters. A member of a Jihadi forum in English issued a warning, reminding readers that a Facebook network would allow security agencies to trace entire groups of jihadists, arguing: “Don’t make a network in Facebook ... Then kuffar will know every friend you have or had in the past.”
Noting the prevalent use of Facebook, jihadists suggested that it be used to strengthen jihadist media and reach a wider audience. A jihadist posting on al-Faloja, a password-protected jihadist forum, on December 9, 2008, applauded the “YouTube Invasion”. He noted the “great success” thus far in publishing jihadist media on YouTube, and urged jihadists to maintain that campaign. It was through YouTube that the five American youth, now in custody in Pakistan, sought to contact terrorist groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
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By harnessing the power of a global community created by online social networks to their advantage, not only can terrorists promote global paranoia, share their messages with sympathisers and obtain donations; they can also create more terrorists.
The Internet has provided terrorists with a whole new virtual realm to conduct their sinister back-ally transactions. Instead of waiting for web-surfers to come across their websites and propaganda materials, terrorists can now lure targeted individuals to the sites. The best way to persuade individuals to support your cause is to create an emotional, psychological or intellectual bond with the victim. The perspective adherent should feel that he is part of a community. What better way to do that than to send them a friend request?
Still, while terrorists appear to use online networking more frequently and efficiently, they have also become more aware of the risks involved. Paradoxically, the most innovative network of communication developed by the West with its numerous online networking platforms, now serves the interests of its greatest foe - namely international terrorism.
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