In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, extremist groups are turning the same technology into weapons of influence and terror.
These groups see AI as a low‑cost, high‑impact tool that can help them recruit, spread propaganda, and launch cyberattacks.
A user on a pro‑Islamic State forum last month urged supporters to incorporate AI, writing: \”One of the best things about AI is how easy it is to use,\” and added, \”Some intelligence agencies worry that AI will contribute (to) recruiting,\” and concluded, \”So make their nightmares into reality.\”
The Islamic State, once a territorial power in Iraq and Syria, has evolved into a decentralized alliance of militants who still share a violent ideology and rely on social media to reach potential recruits.
John Laliberte, a former vulnerability researcher at the National Security Agency and current CEO of ClearVector, said, \”For any adversary, AI really makes it much easier to do things,\” noting that even poorly resourced groups can now create impactful content.
Since ChatGPT became widely available, militants have used generative AI to produce realistic photos and videos that, when paired with social media algorithms, can sway new believers, confuse enemies, and amplify propaganda at a scale unimaginable a few years ago.
In 2022, extremist groups circulated fake images of the Israel‑Hamas war that depicted bloodied, abandoned babies in bombed‑out buildings, sparking outrage and polarization while obscuring the war’s actual horrors.
A year later, after an attack claimed by an IS affiliate killed nearly 140 people at a concert venue in Russia, AI‑crafted propaganda videos spread rapidly on discussion boards and social media, seeking new recruits.
IS has also created deepfake audio recordings of its own leaders reciting scripture and used AI to translate messages into multiple languages, according to researchers at SITE Intelligence Group.
Marcus Fowler, a former CIA agent and current CEO of Darktrace Federal, described these efforts as \”aspirational,\” noting that such groups lag behind China, Russia or Iran in sophisticated AI use.
Hackers are already employing synthetic audio and video for phishing campaigns, impersonating senior business or government leaders to gain access to sensitive networks, and they can also use AI to write malicious code or automate aspects of cyberattacks.
The Department of Homeland Security’s updated Homeland Threat Assessment, released earlier this year, included the risk that militant groups might use AI to produce biological or chemical weapons, compensating for a lack of technical expertise.
Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said, \”It has been obvious since late 2022, with the public release of ChatGPT, that the same fascination and experimentation with generative AI the public has had would also apply to a range of malign actors.\”
During a recent hearing on extremist threats, House lawmakers learned that IS and al‑Qaida have held training workshops to help supporters learn to use AI.
Legislation that passed the U.S. House last month would require homeland security officials to assess the AI risks posed by such groups each year.
Rep. August Pfluger, R‑Texas, the bill’s sponsor, said, \”Our policies and capabilities must keep pace with the threats of tomorrow,\” emphasizing the need for proactive measures.
Together, lawmakers and national security experts argue that the growing use of AI by extremist groups presents a threat that cannot be ignored and that oversight must keep pace with technological advances.
National security experts note that social media remains a powerful recruitment and disinformation tool, and that AI magnifies these capabilities by enabling rapid, large‑scale content production.
The annual risk assessment requirement is intended to provide a systematic approach to monitoring AI misuse by extremist organizations and to inform policy decisions.
As AI continues to evolve, the intersection of technology and extremism underscores the urgency for coordinated oversight, robust cybersecurity defenses, and ongoing legislative action to mitigate the risks posed to national and global security.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
When not tracking a developing story, Morgan enjoys exploring Austin’s neighborhoods, attending local events, and connecting with residents to share the voices and experiences that define the community.
