In the USA, online games and the associated communication platforms are increasingly becoming the focus of federal authorities due to extremism. The background is the concern that these digital spaces could contribute to the radicalization of young people and promote the spread of extremist ideologies. These developments have led to tragic events in the past, as the attacks in Christchurch and Buffalo painfully demonstrated. Both attackers used social media and streaming platforms to announce and broadcast their actions.
A new era of cooperation
The US Department of the Interior and the FBI then initiated closer cooperation with the gaming industry. After a 17-month investigation and exchanges with experts, the Government Accountability Office report finds that a common strategy for dealing with gaming platforms is missing. In response, regular discussions have been initiated with industry leaders, including Discord, Reddit and Roblox. The aim is to develop a coherent strategy by the end of June to better identify and prevent potentially dangerous activities.
The difficult fight against domestic terrorism
The challenge lies primarily in the early detection of individual radicalization, which often occurs without direct organizational guidance. U.S. federal authorities classify violent domestic terrorism into various categories, but the autonomous nature of the Internet and diverse communications capabilities make preventive measures difficult. The storming of the Capitol in January 2021 underscored the urgency of developing effective strategies to combat the spread of extremist content on online platforms, including gaming platforms.
The role of AI and regulation
The question of how modern technologies, especially artificial intelligence, can help detect suspicious activities remains open. Experts and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League emphasize the need for better regulation. The previous Trump administration had not taken any concrete measures and saw the problem more with the content of the games than with the platforms themselves. This view remains scientifically controversial.
Questions and answers about dealing with extremism in the gaming world:
Question 1: How do the US authorities want to deal with extremist content in the gaming world?
Answer 1: By working with the gaming industry and developing a common strategy to more effectively identify and stop potentially dangerous activities.
Question 2: Which platforms are involved in the discussions with the authorities?
Answer 2: Companies like Discord, Reddit and Roblox participate in the regular conversations.
Question 3: Why is combating domestic terrorism so difficult when it comes to online platforms?
Answer 3: Individual radicalization and the diverse communication options on the Internet make it difficult to identify potential perpetrators early.
Question 4: To what extent could modern technologies such as AI help with problem solving?
Answer 4: AI could potentially help detect suspicious activity, but experts are also calling for better regulation.
Question 5: Has the Trump administration taken any action against the spread of extremist content on gaming platforms?
Answer 5: No, the Trump administration had not taken any concrete measures and saw the problem more with the content of the games.
Conclusion
Intensified cooperation between US federal authorities and the gaming industry is a crucial step in the fight against the spread of extremist ideologies and the radicalization of young people via online gaming platforms. Through joint strategies and the use of modern technologies, potential threats can be identified and combated more effectively in the future. However, it remains a complex challenge that requires a coordinated approach and a willingness to adapt to new developments.
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Source: derstandard ; futurezone.at
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Notes:
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