Australias-Counter-Terrorism-Strategy-2015

Some terrorist propaganda, such as AQ’sInspire or ISIL’s Dabiq, and more recently, thechoreographed videos made by these groups,is well-produced and seeks to portray a senseof legitimacy. Its aim is to persuade individualsto reject their own societies, and to promotefighting for and supporting terroristorganisations.The proliferation of detailed and graphicvideos of terrorist activities online (such asbeheadings or terrorist training) givesimpressionable individuals exposure to imagesnot too dissimilar to what they wouldexperience if they actually travelled to Syria orIraq. These graphic images and messages mayplay a role in radicalising individuals. They mayalso incite fear and outrage in the generalpublic.The internet can also be used to counterterrorist propaganda and to connect at-riskindividuals with the people and services thathelp prevent them being influenced by violentextremist propaganda.If you see violent extremist material onlineyou should report it by calling the NationalSecurity Hotline or by going to:reportextremism.livingsafetogether.gov.aufalsehoods and propaganda that are part ofthe appeal of violent extremist ideologies.They can also encourage individuals to seekhelp from government agencies and engagewith support services.Agencies and providers of online services havea key role in limiting the availability of terroristpropaganda. Similarly, social media platformsplay an important role in identifying andacting on online extremist content. Forexample, companies such as Facebook andTwitter are actively monitoring, reporting andin some cases closing down violent extremistsites.Media and news organisations can play apositive role by reporting on propagandawithout giving it undue attention orglamorising it. They can also help defusepossible community tensions and promotesocial cohesion.Australian governments have committedfunds to enhance the work of communities,the private sector and international partnersto undermine the online propaganda ofviolent extremists. This work will also includeresearch to better understand the impact ofviolent extremist propaganda on Australiansand strategies to empower community andcivil society voices that combat terroristideology.Role of the community and privatesectorIt is not just the family and friends ofvulnerable individuals who can provideguidance and support to resist violentextremist messages. Community leaders,community groups, teachers and many othersplay a constructive role in exposing the8 | AUSTRALIA’S COUNTER-TERRORISM STRATEGY