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Islamic State Recruiting Through Big Tech | Undercover In ISIS (2016) | Full Film

Journeyman Pictures・2 minutes read

The project uses online personas to lure ISIS recruiters, showcasing the jihadist recruitment process, while taking cybersecurity measures and moving to encrypted platforms for safety. A woman created an online persona to meet with an ISIS recruiter out of fear for her children's safety, feeling manipulated and uncomfortable but ultimately complying to avoid prosecution, highlighting concerns about potential terrorist activities in Sweden.

Insights

  • Freelancers create online personas like Theo and Sarah to attract ISIS recruiters as part of a project to understand jihadist recruitment dynamics.
  • A woman, manipulated into engaging with ISIS recruiters, ultimately leaves due to fear of losing her children and prosecution, showcasing the complex motivations behind individuals' involvement with extremist groups.

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Recent questions

  • How is ISIS recruitment portrayed online?

    Through the creation of fake personas.

  • What precautions are advised for potential ISIS recruits?

    Traveling without a hijab and hiding unusual items.

  • How do ISIS recruiters offer support to potential recruits?

    By providing psychological assistance.

  • What tactics are used to manipulate potential ISIS recruits?

    Encouraging the use of seduction and manipulation.

  • What motivates individuals to join ISIS?

    Fear of prosecution and concern for family.

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Summary

00:00

Undercover Project: Infiltrating ISIS Recruitment Online

  • The message is a declaration of continued fighting until the Black Flag flies in various countries.
  • A journalist sets up a project using freelancers to create online personas to lure ISIS recruiters.
  • Characters created include Theo, a Swede, and Sarah, an Australian, to sympathize with ISIS.
  • The project aims to show the early stages of jihadist recruitment dynamics.
  • Cybersecurity measures are taken to protect the identities of the freelancers.
  • Online personas like Asma Abu Bak and Abdul AIS nabel are created to attract ISIS recruiters.
  • ISIS uses social media effectively to recruit and spread their message.
  • Contacts like Rashid offer to help individuals join ISIS in Syria.
  • The project moves from Twitter to encrypted texting sites like Kick and Wickr for security.
  • Sarah is introduced to a potential husband through her online persona, leading to discussions about marriage.

27:46

"Undercover mission leads to dangerous journey"

  • The man is fluent in English and curious about the woman, wanting to talk to her.
  • The woman is 172 cm tall and her flight is on the 22nd of May.
  • The woman feels manipulated and uncomfortable lying to a genuine woman working for a terrible organization.
  • Recruiters like Hamza receive psychological support to maintain their fake identities.
  • The woman agrees to meet Hamza on Skype, feeling nervous but hopeful.
  • They discuss the woman's worries about the trip and potential issues at borders.
  • Instructions are given for the woman to travel to a city called ARA and contact a Turkish number upon arrival.
  • Precautions are advised, like traveling without a hijab and hiding unusual items in luggage.
  • The woman is advised to use her voice to seduce and manipulate for information.
  • Plans are made for the woman to live in an apartment upon arrival, emphasizing the journey as a gift from Allah.

54:18

Mother flees abuse, faces uncertain future

  • The woman didn't leave because she was convinced of something, but out of fear that the government would take her kids due to her abuse and attempted murder of her son. She left after being advised to do so to avoid prosecution. She has four children, with the oldest being 26, and they are handling the situation well. She cannot go back to her old life as everything has changed, and she is struggling mentally. There is concern about potential terrorist actions in Sweden, as seen in other parts of Europe.
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