Cyber-Jihad as a Security Threat: Pecularities of Use and Counteraction within the European Union

The authors argue that the impact of globalisation on the transformation of traditional threats to the international community caused the emergence of new asymmetric threats. The newest asymmetric threats come from "weak" states or groups, in various ways, which, without military superiority, can cause significant damage to stronger international actors. The article analyses the main characteristics of asymmetric threats, including their intensity, probability, and timeframe, which allow weaker actors to inflict damage. Therefore, the key tools of such threats are technologies and cyber weapons, particularly the importance of "media terror". "Cyber-jihad" became a part of the Islamic State's (IS) recruitment and radicalisation strategy, in particular through digital platforms such as Telegram and TikTok. Using video games and social media is an essential means of propaganda to attract young people. IS's strategies for changing its media campaigns for an international audience, in particular by mixing real acts of violence with elements of virtual mass consumption culture. The difficulty of countering such threats lies in their digital nature and the possibility of anonymously disseminating materials through secure platforms. The key mechanisms at the EU level that have been established in response to the growing use of social media by jihadist groups for recruitment, propaganda, and glorification of violence are analysed by the authors. These include the European Union Internet Referral Unit, the European Counter-Terrorism Center, and the Digital Services Act, which complements the Digital Markets Act and forms the EU Digital Services Package. Research into the effectiveness of international, regional, and national mechanisms to combat IS's use of cyberspace seems very promising.