Socio-Technical and Multi-stakeholder Approaches to Countering Online Propaganda

Terrorists and extremists worldwide exploit technology, often camouflaging their ideologies by altering context or using coded language and symbols. A key challenge in preventing propaganda is developing consistent, effective responses to this hidden ideological content. This is crucial because failing to address these disguised threats can lead to the unrestricted spread of extremist ideologies, potentially resulting in radicalisation, violence, and societal division. This chapter will outline the current landscape in relation to countering online propaganda and offer potential solutions in five areas: technical solutions to moderate content; legal and regulatory solutions; socio-technical solutions to counter AI-generated content; counter-narratives; and educational solutions to improve digital and media literacy. The chapter will outline that addressing the threats posed by image-based content requires effective collaboration between governments, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and tech platforms. This cooperation is crucial as it combines expertise, ensures a comprehensive approach, fosters information sharing, and balances security with civil liberties, ultimately creating a safer online environment while preserving democratic values.