Telegram: A Briefing
Summary
This briefing provides an overview of how far-right groups use Telegram to communicate, organize, spread propaganda, and incite violence. It examines the platform's features, its initial popularity with Islamic State, and its subsequent adoption by far-right groups. The report also covers the types of content shared, including ideologies, manuals, and incitement to violence, as well as the deification of mass shooters and the use of anniversaries to promote extremist agendas. It highlights the lack of clear policy guidelines from Telegram regarding extremist activities and the need for comprehensive policies to stop the proliferation of hate, extremism, and terrorism on the platform.
Top Questions and Answers
Q: What is Telegram and why is it popular among far-right groups?
A: Telegram is a messaging service known for its encryption features and privacy. It's popular among far-right groups due to its focus on personal security, anonymity, and lack of cost, allowing them to communicate, organize, and spread propaganda with less fear of censorship.
Q: How did Telegram initially gain popularity among extremist groups?
A: Telegram initially gained popularity with Islamic State (ISIS) in 2015, who used it to plan and conduct attacks. This initial use paved the way for other extremist groups, including far-right actors, to adopt the platform.
Q: What types of ideologies are promoted on far-right Telegram channels?
A: Far-right Telegram channels promote a range of ideologies, including neo-Nazism, white supremacy, white nationalism, fascism, eco-fascism, Identitarianism, and Christian Identity. They also express beliefs such as misogyny, racism, anti-immigrant sentiment, anti-LGBTQ views, antisemitism, Holocaust denial, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and anti-Romani sentiments.
Q: What kind of content is shared on these channels besides text messages?
A: Besides text messages, far-right Telegram channels share manuals, literature, videos, images, and links to external sites. This includes survival guides, sabotage techniques, historical Nazi content, and material from neo-Nazi forums. They also share propaganda, cartoons, and artwork promoting their ideologies.
Q: What is the 'Boogaloo' concept and how is it used on Telegram?
A: The 'Boogaloo' is a term used to refer to the belief that the USA faces an uprising or second civil war. On Telegram, it's used to promote self-reliance, survival skills, and the need for armament, often with a focus on race-based conflict.
Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic been used by far-right groups on Telegram?
A: Far-right groups on Telegram have used the COVID-19 pandemic to spread conspiracy theories, incite violence against minority groups, and promote the idea of an impending civil war. They often blame Jews and/or Asians for the creation and spread of the virus.
Q: How is Telegram used for weapons manufacturing?
A: Telegram channels are used to share information and practical guides on creating, modifying, and upgrading weapons, particularly firearms. They provide guides, videos, and links to websites featuring instructions on building homemade weapons and explosives.
Q: How are mass shooters glorified on Telegram?
A: Telegram channels often deify mass shooters motivated by far-right ideologies, portraying them as heroes and martyrs. They share images, videos, and posts praising their actions, and use anniversaries of attacks to promote their agendas.
Q: What is the 'RaHoWa' concept mentioned in the report?
A: RaHoWa, or Racial Holy War, is a concept promoted by white supremacists on Telegram. It refers to a predicted conflict that they believe will result in the destruction of minority groups and the rule of the white race.
Q: What are some of the incidents connected to Telegram mentioned in the report?
A: The report mentions incidents such as a US soldier charged with distributing bomb-making information via Telegram, and an individual who was shot and killed by the FBI after posting antisemitic messages on Telegram before attempting an attack on a hospital.