Gaming platforms
156. Homeland Security Group noted: "There is no question there is an over-representation of young people interested in Right Wing Extremism in the gaming space".[1] Specific features of some gaming-related platforms facilitate online radicalisation by creating an environment in which radicalisation can occur. Gaming platforms are an alternative to the more traditional commercial messaging applications for terrorists to communicate online, and have been used to:
- recruit new followers;
- disseminate propaganda; and
- as a means of communication.
157. Many games have a built-in chat functionality, and there are also a number of third-party applications designed primarily for the gaming community with similar features to traditional SMAs these include Steam, Twitch and Discord.
158. Discord is a freeware VOIP (Voice over IP) application and digital distribution platform, designed initially for the gaming community—accessed via a web browser or mobile app, it can be used to build private, invite-only groups. JTAC advises that:
It is plausible that some RW terrorists began using Discord due to a background in online gaming. This is reflected in the common parlance of RW terrorists, where phrases such as 'NPC' (Non-Player Character) are used to refer to an individual who does not partake in enough RW terrorist activity. John Earnest, the San Diego shooter, made reference to getting a "high score" (by context, causing many deaths) in the letter he released prior to carrying out his attack. ***.[2]
159. *** there are three factors which might lead to more widespread use of gaming platforms:
- ***;
- ***; and
- ***.[3]
160. Overall, the sheer volume of Right-Wing Extremist content in the online space and the lack of accountability of these organisations is a formidable challenge. The Commission for Countering Extremism (CCE) observes that, whilst action is being taken by larger organisations such as Facebook, other smaller platforms such as BitChute continue to host and promote extremist content:
Some of the Far Right extremist content and support for terrorist causes found on BitChute include videos showing and/or advocating violence towards ethnic minorities, and racist rhetoric towards black and other
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