(Un)masking the Threat

In this episode of ICT’s (Un)masking the Threat, Professor Moran Yarchi, a Senior Researcher at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT), Head of the Influence and Perception Specialization at Sammy Ofer School of Communications and Head of the Public Diplomacy Honors Program at Reichman University, analyzes how terrorist organizations like Hamas leverage social media for propaganda, recruitment, and manipulation. From dissecting Hamas’s October 7th digital campaign to addressing the role of governments, tech companies, and individuals in countering such threats, this conversation sheds light on the tactics of modern terrorism and the evolving challenges of propaganda in the digital age.

 

 

Image Credits: Gal Rapaport

In this episode of ICT’s (Un)masking the Threat, Dr. Ariel Koch, a Research Fellow at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) and the Director of Violent Extremism Research at ActiveFence, explores the rising phenomenon of memetic warfare. From the evolution of the paraglider meme used by Hamas and neo-Nazi groups to the strategies extremists employ to spread their messages, Dr. Koch reveals how memes have become powerful tools for recruitment and propaganda. The discussion also highlights counter-meme efforts and actionable steps individuals can take to combat this digital form of radicalization.

Image Credits: Gal Rapaport

In this episode of ICT’s (Un)masking the Threat, Professor Gabriel Weimann, a leading expert on cyberterrorism, a Full Professor of Government at the Lauder School of Government diplomacy and Strategy at Reichman University, a full professor of communications (Emeritus) at Haifa University, and a Senior Researcher and Head of the Media and Terrorism Desk at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT), dives into the alarming ways terrorists are exploiting generative AI tools like ChatGPT. From AI jailbreaking and propaganda creation to manipulation tactics that bypass safeguards, he uncovers the vulnerabilities of these technologies. The discussion also explores how governments and tech companies can address these challenges, the ethical considerations of using AI in counterterrorism, and the future role of AI in both enabling and combating terrorist activities.

 

 

Image Credits: Gal Rapaport

In this episode of ICT’s (Un)masking the Threat, Colonel (Res.) Miri Eisin, a Senior Fellow at the International Insitute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) at Reichman University and Former Foreign Media Advisor to the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, delves into Hamas’s evolving social media strategy before, during, and after the October 7th attacks. We explore the role of platforms like TikTok and Telegram, the influence of AI and deepfakes, and the impact on global audiences. Colonel (Res.) Eisin shares insights into how terrorist groups draw inspiration from these tactics and discusses what individuals and tech companies can do to combat online hate and misinformation.

 

 

Image Credits: Gal Rapaport