Radicalisation and the internet
The freedom to voice political, religious or ideological beliefs is an important and healthy part of any democracy. The Australian Government respects the right of individuals to engage in free speech online, even when their messages may be extreme or unpopular.
Free expression and the internet
The internet has changed the way we communicate and interact with each other, both as individuals and as a society. The internet also plays an important role in allowing people to express their views freely on globally connected platforms.
It is not acceptable for any individual or group to use the internet to advocate the use of violence in any situation, including to further a religious, ideological or political cause.
Online radicalisation
The majority of people access the Internet in a safe and lawful manner, but a small number of people may use the Internet to search out or post messages, video clips, images or content of a violent extremist nature. Over time, this material can affect a small number of people in our community who may be vulnerable to becoming radicalised.
There is no checklist to recognise people who may be radicalised by material viewed online. However, some behavioural signs may be useful to help family members, friends and members of the public to seek assistance if they are concerned somebody they know may be radicalising.
These signs may include:
- Becoming increasingly secretive about online viewing habits
- Using online social networking platforms such as Facebook or Twitter to promote violence or other criminal behaviour to advance a cause
- Downloading large amounts of violent extremist content such as:
- online instruction and training manuals about making explosives or other methods to undertake violence, and/or
- violent extremist literature, images and/or video clips that advocate the use of violence or other illegal behaviour to promote a cause.
The law and online behaviour
Social media and other internet networking sites should always be used responsibly, and should not be used to threaten, advocate or direct the use of violence. It is illegal under Australian law to use social media or the internet in a way that could be seen as intimidating, harassing or offensive.
It is also illegal to use social media or the internet to make threats to kill or cause serious harm to another individual.
If you are aware of a serious threat online, report it to police by calling 000.
If you see something you are concerned about you can report it anonymously to the National Security Hotline on 1800 1234 00.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for investigating online material that is considered offensive or illegal.
If you have seen or heard about something online that you feel is inappropriate or offensive, including material that advocates violence or a terrorist act, you can learn more about your options for making a report or complaint by visiting the ACMA website: or the ACMA Facebook page:
You can also access useful training, advice and guidance about Internet safety by visiting the ThinkUKnow Australia website:
More information
If you are concerned somebody you know may be radicalising, you can find more information in the following factsheet:
I am worried somebody I know is radicalising … What can I do?
Visit:
TO SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO TO COUNTER EXTREMISM IN YOUR COMMUNITY.