Terrorism and the Internet
The head of the Security Service (MI5) Sir Ken McCallum has revealed that “children under 17” made up a fifth of terror suspects in 2024.
Sir Ken said that terrorism is bred in the “squalid corners of the internet” and the online world can blur people’s motives.
This makes it harder for the Security Service to make assessments as to what drives the attackers.
The Role of the Internet in Terrorism
MI5 has a new Interventions Centre of Expertise to manage adolescents over any threats and where there is mental health issues or any other type of complex issues they may have.
Sir Ken said, “Sadly, we continue to see a concerning number of minors in our national security investigations: one in five of the 232 terrorism arrests last year were of children under 17.
“This needs fresh thinking.”
Understanding the Complexity of Terrorism
In a speech at the Security Service’s Thames House headquarters in London, he said: “Terrorism breeds in squalid corners of the internet where poisonous ideologies, of whatever sort, meet volatile, often chaotic individual lives.
“The online environment can blur motive, too. Some situations are clear-cut. But it’s often messier.
“In 2025, it can be hard to tell in the immediate aftermath of an appalling violent crime whether the incident is terrorist or state-directed, and thus a national security matter, or non-ideological, driven by a unique personal grievance, fixation or mental disturbance.
“We are particularly conscious of these complexities when it comes to vulnerable young people.”
The Interventions Centre of Expertise
The intervention unit is part of the Counter Terrorism Operations Centre and is made up of other agencies and public services.
Sir Ken said, “If a vulnerable young person on a pathway towards extremist violence can receive the right support, such that expensive and scarce MI5 capabilities are not needed and fewer children feature in national security prosecutions, that’s good for everyone involved.”
Support for Vulnerable Young People
The Interventions Centre of Expertise is designed to provide support to adolescents who are at risk of being drawn into extremist violence.
By providing the right support, the MI5 hopes to reduce the number of children who are involved in national security investigations and prosecutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the internet plays a significant role in the breeding of terrorism, and it is essential to address this issue to prevent vulnerable young people from being drawn into extremist violence.
The Interventions Centre of Expertise is a step in the right direction, and it is crucial that we continue to provide support to those who need it most.
FAQs
What is the role of the internet in terrorism?
The internet plays a significant role in the breeding of terrorism, as it provides a platform for poisonous ideologies to spread and for volatile individuals to be radicalized.
How many children under 17 were involved in terrorism arrests in 2024?
One in five of the 232 terrorism arrests in 2024 were of children under 17.
What is the Interventions Centre of Expertise?
The Interventions Centre of Expertise is a unit that is part of the Counter Terrorism Operations Centre, and it is designed to provide support to adolescents who are at risk of being drawn into extremist violence.
What is the goal of the Interventions Centre of Expertise?
The goal of the Interventions Centre of Expertise is to provide support to vulnerable young people, such that expensive and scarce MI5 capabilities are not needed and fewer children feature in national security prosecutions.
Why is it essential to address the issue of terrorism and the internet?
It is essential to address the issue of terrorism and the internet because it is a significant threat to national security, and it is crucial to prevent vulnerable young people from being drawn into extremist violence.
