Cyber-radicalization: A new form of victimization

Abstract

The September 11th attacks marked a turning point in terms of our understanding of terrorism. For the first time, a religion-based terrorist organization not only attacked a Western country but also used the advantages of information and communication technologies (ICT) for its own benefit to carry out these attacks. From that point onwards, the jihad went from being a local phenomenon to acquire a global identity. The organizations operating within this new type of terrorism (Al-Qaeda or Dâesh) fill their ranks with individuals who have undergone a process of indoctrination and radicalization. While this initially took place in a physical setting (offline), nowadays, it is clear that cyberspace (online) has become the ideal medium. In the case of Spain, a few years ago, 80% of this process was conducted offline (in mosques or university centres) and always in the presence of a radicalizing agent. However, with the consolidation of ICTs, this percentage has been replaced by the online environment. This article has a dual objective. Firstly, it aims to provide a criminological and victimological explanation of the role of ICTs in the jihadist recruitment and radicalization. Secondly, it makes a comparison between the offline and online indoctrination processes.