EU warns of emerging online-driven extremist threat among young people

09:15

By: Azzat Manal

EU warns of emerging online-driven extremist threat among young people

European authorities are warning of an emerging form of violent extremism increasingly driven by young people operating through online communities, describing it as a growing security challenge for the continent.

According to a report by EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator Bartjan Wegter, the phenomenon is characterized by a fascination with violence itself rather than by a clearly defined political, religious or ideological objective. Online communities can provide young users with spaces where violent content, notoriety and social status become closely connected.

A security operation involving police forces from nine European countries in June and July reportedly identified around 4,340 URLs linked to an online network known as “The Com,” which investigators consider an important platform associated with this type of activity.

The warning comes as European countries continue to face a broader terrorism threat. Last year, 45 terrorist attacks were recorded across 10 EU member states. Although none was classified as a major incident, the attacks resulted in six deaths, while authorities arrested 486 people in connection with terrorism-related cases. More than 70% of those arrested were reportedly linked to jihadist groups.

The report also highlights the prominent role of minors in emerging extremist networks. Around one-third of those arrested were under the age of 18, with most of them being male. European authorities have increasingly raised concerns about how online platforms can expose vulnerable teenagers to violent material and facilitate contact with extremist communities.

Wegter noted that nihilistic violent extremism is difficult to measure through official statistics because definitions vary and the phenomenon can overlap with ordinary criminal activity. However, a series of recent cases has raised concerns about its development. Authorities have pointed to incidents involving teenagers allegedly motivated by violence, notoriety or the desire to gain recognition within online communities.

The EU coordinator described the phenomenon as a form of “fascination with violence,” in which violent acts can become a means of seeking identity, recognition or status among online peers. This creates particular challenges for law enforcement, as some potential offenders have no previous criminal record and their activities may remain hidden within encrypted online spaces.

Authorities are also monitoring groups such as 764, an online network associated with the exploitation and radicalization of young people. Although its founder has been imprisoned, European officials say the network and related communities continue to pose security concerns.

The growing role of digital platforms is making counter-terrorism investigations increasingly dependent on online intelligence. Wegter said that around 85% of investigations now involve a digital component, underscoring the need for police forces to have appropriate technological and investigative tools.

The report also warns that artificial intelligence could further complicate the threat landscape by being used to produce propaganda, attract new recruits and potentially assist in planning violent attacks. European authorities are therefore calling for stronger international cooperation and improved coordination between law enforcement agencies to identify emerging threats before they develop into acts of violence.

The latest warning reflects a broader shift in the European security landscape, where authorities are increasingly focused not only on established extremist organizations but also on decentralized online communities capable of influencing young people without relying on traditional ideological structures.