Preventing Extremism & Violent Extremism Online

Today’s world has seen rapid technological developments and increased online connectedness and engagement. While this has grown the global economy and enabled new connections, learning, and innovation, this accessibility, engagement, and reach is also exploited by malicious actors. Under its “Understanding & Preventing Extremism Online in Southeast Asia” program, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Hedayah launched two qualitative research studies that aim to support future online counter-extremism activities in Indonesia and Malaysia.    

Each report presents findings from field research on the current media and information landscape, focusing on the strategies and tactics utilized by online extremist or violent extremist actors, the challenges faced by frontline practitioners and policymakers in responding, and lessons learned from existing responses as well as emerging opportunities for prevention and countering of online extremism. These reports also offer practical, context-specific recommendations for practitioners and policymakers working to identify and disrupt extremist activity online, to build resilience to extremist narratives, and to strengthen local and national responses.  

 Each country report is available in both English and Bahasa.