Disinformation has emerged as a pervasive challenge within the modern information ecosystem, exacerbating mistrust, societal polarisation, and in extreme cases, contributing to radicalisation. According to the CHRIPS Observatory Report (2024), there has been a notable increase in violent extremism incidents over the past year. Similarly, findings from the USAID Sauti Research Reports highlight growing perceptions of increased recruitment into extremist groups, underscoring the gravity of the issue.
But where does technology fit into this picture? The role of technology is a double-edged sword. On one hand, technology and the use of social media platforms and networks have facilitated the rapid and widespread dissemination of radicalisation narratives, enabling extremist groups to push their messages to vast, diverse audiences. These digital spaces provide fertile ground for extremist groups to target vulnerable individuals, leveraging disinformation to manipulate emotions, exploit socio-economic grievances, and promote divisive ideologies.
On the other hand, technology is also being used by the State as a response mechanism to civil unrest, including alleged cases of forced disappearances during protests—actions that may inadvertently fuel the grievances extremist’s exploit. This intersection raises pressing questions. Is the current technological landscape in Kenya providing fertile ground for radicalisation to thrive? And what measures can be put in place to counteract these trends?
Research has shown that violence by security forces or state actors is often a direct trigger for individuals joining violent extremist groups. This webinar will analyse ways in which disinformation contributes to radicalisation and violent extremism (VE), discussing the role of technological advancement, including artificial intelligence (AI), and digital platforms in amplifying disinformation and extremist narratives. It will examine the psychological, social, and structural factors that make individuals and communities susceptible to disinformation, providing insights into the mechanisms that drive vulnerability. Additionally, speakers will discuss and share counter-disinformation strategies and best practices aimed at mitigating the risks of radicalisation and violent extremism. Lastly, the webinar will foster and call for unified collaboration among stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organisations, researchers, and tech platforms, to address this multifaceted challenge effectively.
The Panel
- PhD. Dr Halkano Abdi Wario – Institute for Security Studies.
- Ms. Cherie Oyier –KICTANet
- Mr. Brian Kimari –Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS)
- Ms. Mary Gitau– Greenstring International
- Ms Valerie Waswa, moderator
How does disinformation fuel radicalization and violent extremism?
Date: Feb 12, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM.
Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/
The Panel Aims to Achieve: This panel session aims to achieve several key objectives;
- Enhanced Understanding of Disinformation’s Role in Radicalisation: Provide a comprehensive analysis of how disinformation fuels radicalisation and violent extremism, with specific reference to the Kenyan and global contexts.
- Insights into Technology’s Dual Role
- Examine the impact of technological advancements, including AI and digital platforms, in amplifying disinformation and extremist narratives.
- Explore how technology is both a tool for dissemination and a mechanism used by the state, with its potential to exacerbate or mitigate grievances.
- Strategies and Best Practices
- Share effective counter-disinformation strategies and practices, including policy interventions, and community-based approaches.
- Identify actionable measures to address the psychological and socio-economic vulnerabilities exploited by extremist groups.
- Policy and Practical Recommendations
- Develop key recommendations for regulatory frameworks, public awareness campaigns, and technological innovations that can help counter disinformation and its link to radicalisation.
- Generate insights that can inform the development of policies and interventions tailored to the unique challenges of the Kenyan context.
- Awareness and Advocacy
- Raise awareness about the intersection of disinformation, radicalisation, and technology, emphasising the urgency of addressing this nexus.
- Advocate for a balanced approach to technology use, one that minimises harm while leveraging its potential to foster resilience and counter-extremism.
Through these outcomes, the discussion will aim to equip participants and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to address the multifaceted challenges of disinformation and violent extremism effectively.
