Title: Artificial intelligence and online extremism
Abstract: In an increasingly digital world, identifying signs of online extremism sits at the top of the priority list for counter-extremism agencies. Researchers and governments are investing in the creation of advanced information technologies to identify and counter extremism through intelligent large-scale analysis of online data. Different technologies have been developed in the last few years with the aim of observing and analysing the phenomena behind online extremism (the communication flow, the use of propaganda, the different stages of the radicalisation process, the variety of radicalisation channels, etc.), detect radical users and content, and predict which users are more likely to adopt and share extremist content. Despite current advancements in the area, multiple challenges still exist, including: (i) the lack of solid verification of the datasets collected to develop detection and prediction models, (ii) the lack of cooperation across research fields, since most existing technologies are neither based on, nor do they take advantage of, the existing theories and studies of radicalisation, (iii) the constant evolution of the behaviours associated with online extremism in order to avoid being detected by the developed algorithms (changes in terminology, creation of new accounts, etc.), and (iv) the adoption and use of such technologies by policing organisations. In this book chapter we study the current socio-technical advancements towards addressing the problem of online extremism (with a particular focus on Jihadism). We identify some of the limitations of current technologies and highlight some of the potential opportunities. Our aim is to reflect on the current state of the art and to stimulate discussions on the future design and development of AI algorithms, methodologies and applications to target the problem of online extremism.