Biden Admin to Share Domestic Terror Info with Online Platforms

New Strategy to Counter Domestic Terrorism Unveiled

In response to the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, the Biden administration is detailing new strategies designed to address the growing threat of domestic terrorism. Social media companies are recognized as having a crucial role in these efforts.

Acknowledging the Role of Online Platforms

A new national strategy for countering domestic terrorism was released by the White House on Tuesday. The plan specifically highlights the significant influence of online platforms in amplifying extremist ideologies. These sites are described as being at the “forefront” of combating domestic terrorism.

The White House plan states that the widespread availability of materials used for domestic terrorist recruitment online represents a national security concern. It emphasizes a commitment to better inform the increasing efforts of these platforms to secure these digital spaces.

Enhanced Information Sharing with the Tech Sector

The Biden administration is pledging increased information sharing with the technology industry to combat the spread of online extremism. This initiative aims to intervene proactively, before extremist groups can organize acts of violence.

A fact sheet accompanying the new plan details that the U.S. government will prioritize “increased information sharing” with technology companies. This will focus on platforms where extremist ideologies are fostered and coordinated.

Facilitating robust counter-terrorism efforts outside of the government will be achieved by enhancing the domestic terrorism-related information provided to the private sector, particularly the technology sector. This will help counter the abuse of online communication platforms for recruitment purposes.

Attorney General Garland's Perspective

Attorney General Merrick Garland, in a statement coinciding with the release of the strategy, affirmed that collaboration with the tech sector is “particularly important.” He stressed the need to disrupt extremists who utilize online platforms for organization and recruitment, and highlighted plans for sharing improved intelligence on potential domestic terror threats.

Acknowledging Limitations and Addressing Demand

Despite these new initiatives, the administration acknowledges that extremist recruitment materials will likely remain accessible online. This is particularly true on platforms that do not actively prioritize their removal, as was the case with many social media sites before January 2021, and on end-to-end encrypted applications.

The White House plan recognizes that simply limiting the supply of extremist content is insufficient. Addressing the underlying demand for such content is also essential.

“Today’s digital age requires an American population capable of utilizing Internet-based communications platforms while remaining resilient to domestic terrorist recruitment and other harmful content,” the plan states.

Promoting Digital Literacy

The administration will also focus on bolstering resilience to online extremism through digital literacy programs. These programs will include “educational materials” and “skills-enhancing online games” designed to protect Americans from extremist recruitment tactics, and more broadly, from disinformation.

Scope of the Strategy

While the plan does not explicitly name specific domestic terror groups like QAnon or the “Stop the Steal” movement, it does acknowledge the diverse ways domestic terror can manifest. This includes everything from small, informal groups to organized militias.

Intelligence Assessment

A report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, released in March, highlighted the elevated threat posed by domestic terrorism in 2021. The report noted that domestic extremists are actively using mainstream social media to recruit new members, organize events, and disseminate materials that can incite violence.

Leveraging social media for recruitment, organization, and the sharing of violent content is a key tactic employed by domestic extremists.