The Institute for Security and Resilience has published a research report titled "The Spread of Terrorism Through Social Platforms", which addresses the threats and risks stemming from the spread of terrorism through online communication platforms.

According to the institute, this report provides a detailed analysis of how Islamist and ethno-nationalist extremism continue to be present on social platforms, spreading ideologies that threaten security and stability in Kosovo.

Below are some of the key findings of the report, while the full document is attached for further reference.

1. Mass use of social media and risk to young people

In Kosovo, the high percentage of the population that has access to the Internet (96.6%) and the use of platforms such as TikTok, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube makes the country particularly susceptible to online radicalization.

Young people between the ages of 16 and 20 are the most exposed demographic due to frequent use of these platforms and lack of media literacy resources. Radical content is often tailored to their interests to manipulate and drive engagement.

2. Transition of extremists to safe platforms

Measures taken by platforms such as Facebook and YouTube to restrict radical content have led extremist groups to switch to encrypted platforms such as Telegram and similar apps. These platforms provide a safe space for anonymous communication, enabling extremists to distribute ideological content, plan activities and recruit individuals without any apparent risk of detection.

3. Global conflicts as catalysts of extremism

Global conflicts, such as the war between Russia and Ukraine or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have been exploited by extremist organizations to spread their narratives and justify violent acts. Groups such as Hamas, Civil Defence, ISIS and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham[1] use war footage and propaganda to drum up support for their causes and recruit individuals from Kosovo and the Balkans.

4. Religious and ethno-nationalist narratives

Extremists use a combination of religious and ethno-nationalist narratives to polarize communities and deepen social divisions. For example, Telegram is used to connect global conflicts, such as those in Palestine, to local narratives, creating feelings of victimization and martyrdom that can influence the radicalization of individuals.

6. Challenges in monitoring and controlling online radicalization

Controlling harmful content on social media is a major challenge for institutions in Kosovo. Legal frameworks and lack of coordination between security agencies make it difficult to monitor and prevent the spread of online radicalism. Lack of cooperation with international social media platforms and limited capacities for monitoring are among the main challenges.

7. Interpretation and distortion of religious arguments:

Islamic extremists use a distorted version of Islam presented as "back to basics" to recruit vulnerable individuals and promote their ideology. The use of religious concepts such as "Jihad," "Holy War," and "Martyrdom" is used to justify conflicts and the recruitment of individuals for violent wars, such as in Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon.

8. Undermining trust in the state institutions of Kosovo:

Extremist religious and ethno-nationalist groups are using social and economic grievances to portray state institutions as incompetent and anti-Muslim Banning headscarves in schools is an argument used to spread a narrative that portrays the state as an enemy of Islamic values . Extremists accuse Kosovo of aligning itself with Western countries as enemies of Islam, using this to recruit individuals.

9. Anti-Western rhetoric:

Extremists use the West, including NATO and the US, as enemies of Islam and local traditions, blaming them for the destruction of Islamic countries and imperialist influence. Global conflicts such as the Hamas-Israel War and the Russia-Ukraine War have been used to support this narrative and recruit individuals to extreme causes.

10. Increased use of Jerusalem (Qudsi) as an extremist symbol:

Extremists use the bombing of Gaza and other events to create radical material and mobilize anti-Western and hostile sentiments toward Israel. Qudsi is presented as "occupied holy land" and is used to incite feelings of injustice and justify violence as a "moral obligation" for Muslims.

11. Hate speech and polarization in Kosovo:

Extremist nationalist groups are using hate speech against the Muslim community in Kosovo, insulting Islamic religious leaders and institutions. This has created

an environment that fosters mutual extremism and radicalism, and contributes to the polarization of society.

12. Muslim unity and the "waning of jihad":

Extremists are spreading the ideology that a world war is imminent, and they demand that Muslims be prepared, not only religiously, but also militarily. Organizations like ISIS are using this as a way to mobilize young individuals and recruit foreign fighters, spreading propaganda about jihad.

14. Propaganda and fake news about the suffering of Serbs in Kosovo:

Extremist groups and Serbian ethno-nationalist organizations are spreading fake news and propaganda about alleged violence against Serbs by Kosovo institutions, fueling feelings of enmity and ethnic tensions.

15. Telegram social accounts of extremist endo-nationalist organizations

Extreme platforms and channels on Telegram, such as "Bunt," "Бунт је стаје духа" (Rebellion is a state of mind), "СРПСКИ ГЛАСНИК" (Serbian Newspaper), "Српски вукови" (Serbian Wolves), and others, are actively engaged in the spread of fake news and disinformation aimed at demonizing the security institutions in Kosovo, especially the Kosovo Police and KFOR. These platforms use narratives that present the Kosovo Police as a violent and unrestrained force against Kosovo Serbs, accusing it of "repressive methods" and "ethnic cleansing" of Serbs in northern municipalities. These accusations are untrue and are intended to misinform, baselessly describing as justified the actions of the Police, which has been committed to protecting order and law, in the face of armed groups and criminal gangs operating in this region. The use of terms such as "ethnic cleansing" is intended to cause fear and highlight a false narrative of Serb victimization, which is far from the reality of the situation on the ground.

The channels in question also broadcast calls for violence, inciting actions against the Kosovo Police, KFOR, and Kosovo state targets. Through regular posts, these platforms promote an atmosphere of ethnic tension and hatred, inciting parts of the population to oppose any effort by the Kosovo state to maintain control and order in the northern municipalities. This includes inciting violent acts in response to the Kosovo authorities, presenting it as righteous "resistance", despite the fact that many of these groups are involved in criminal and terrorist activities.

16. Telegram social logs of Islamist extremist organizations

Extremist religious groups operating on Telegram, such as Jamati Alban, Mburoja, use these platforms to spread the ideology of Islamic extremism and

incite terrorist acts. They distribute videos and propaganda materials depicting "jihadists" fighting against security forces in various regions such as Israel, Gaza, Syria, Afghanistan and North Africa, including violent actions against foreign countries. These groups also promote incitement to hatred of the West and support for terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

A common tactic of these platforms is to use dual channels for communication. The main channel distributes violent material and messages that promote the recruitment of fighters for jihadist purposes, while the backup channel ensures the continuity of communication even if the main channel is closed by the authorities. This strategy used by these groups allows them to operate unhindered, giving them the opportunity to continue spreading extremist ideas and to mobilize individuals for terrorist activities.