DHS hosts terrorism prevention forum

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said personnel within the agency’s Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention program (TVTP) recently hosted its fifth Digital Forum on Terrorism Prevention.

The initiative primarily involved Atlanta-based civil society leaders, providing an opportunity for the leaders to garner insight from technology and marketing experts regarding means of combating terrorist use of the internet.

During the two-day session, speakers delivered insights to enhance digital literacy and equip communities with the appropriate tools and resources to be effective and resilient against terrorist narratives and online space content.

Presentations included a former white supremacist who offered a personal account of radicalizing to violence while emphasizing the importance of maintaining engagement with youth online.

Additionally, participants received a presentation from a counterterrorism expert who shared nuances of recruitment tactics and the gamification of violence. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Countering Foreign Influence Task Force offered insight regarding the overlap of disinformation from foreign parties with the area of targeted violence and terrorism.

DHS said participants were also provided information on several initiatives and programs across the country, including student-led projects working to build digital capacity and demonstrate how online behavior can help identify vulnerable populations.

Panelists emphasized the importance of bystanders and how families, friends, and other community leaders are necessary in addressing the threat before an individual of concern requires law enforcement intervention.