Report highlights growing use of Internet to spread terror, hate

Terrorists and extremists more and more are turning to the Internet to spread their views and incite readers to take action, according to a report issued this week by a Jewish human rights group.

Called “Digital Terrorism and Hate 2006,” the report was issued by the Simon Wiesenthal Center and is available as an interactive CD, according to the group’s officials. The report focuses on more than 6,000 Web sites that raise money for terrorist groups and teach related skills, such as bomb building.

In particular, the report details Middle Eastern-run Internet forums that encourage attacks on Christians and Jews with tips on, for example, how to use a cell phone as a bomb detonator. It also highlights European online news groups used by sports fanatics to incite racial activity at sporting events. There’s also a trans-national Internet network used by North American, European, and Middle Eastern extremists to share ideas, the report says.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center, established in 1977 and based in Los Angeles, is in contact with government officials and community activists regarding what its report reveals, officials say.

Read more about security in Network World's Security section.