Role of Internet in Lone Wolf Terrorism

Abstract

For the last two decades, lone wolf terrorists in Western countries have been significantly changing their modus operandi. Part of these changes and possibly even one of their causes is the increasing use of the internet by lone wolves. This article reviews the role of the internet in the preparation of a terrorist attack as well as during the process of radicalisation of lone wolves. The possibilities and methodical flaws of lone wolf identification on the internet are also discussed. Based on current knowledge, it can be said that the Internet still has a limited role for lone wolves during the preparation of their terrorist attacks. However, it has been demonstrated, that as an efficient communication tool, the internet is of considerable importance in the process of lone wolf radicalisation. The internet is also a place where lone wolves may leak indications of their future actions. These leakages may be utilised for the identification of future lone wolf terrorists on discussion forums or radical websites using semi-automatic methods. However, the biggest drawbacks of these methods is their inability to distinguish between future lone wolf terrorists and common radical authors with no real intention on committing any terrorist act.

Analysis of Personal Data-Sharing Consent Factors, With Focus on Loyalty Programs in the Czech Republic

“…Tavani (1999) points out that some privacy analysts began distinguishing between 'informational privacy' concerns and a separate category related to intrusion and interference that is sometimes referred to as 'psychological privacy' . Recently, Zeman et al (2017) and other authors also focus on various aspects of military and anti-terrorism cyber security activities.…”

Self-Study, Obtaining or Viewing Terrorist Material Over the Internet: A Legitimacy Test of Consumer-Oriented Criminal Law Provisions in Four Western-European Countries

“…Although scholars are still divided on the extent and practical significance of the internet, there is little doubt on the fact that the internet is commonly used for terrorist purposes. 49 Another point of agreement is that "radicalisation of opinion" should be separated from "radicalisation of action". 50 Due to the wide array of prohibited conduct under the studied provisions, it is useful to make a distinction between (a) seeking actual manuals and other information that provide practical assistance in the preparation of a terrorist offence, and (b) accessing websites that provide inciting propaganda texts, images and videos or viewing/obtaining certain material (no practical assistance, e.g.…”

Terrorist Attacks by Lonely Wolfs And its prevention

“…Útoky páchané osamělými vlky nemají jednotný rámec, nicméně lze je rozdělit do několika základních oblastí dle způsobu provedení a prevence, respektive maření těchto útoků je tak odvislé od zamýšlené realizace útoku, komunikace a prostředí pachatele (7,14).…”