The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) reports weekly on the methods used by extremists to exploit the Internet and social media platforms to recruit followers and incite violence. Last week, CEP researchers located several pieces of white supremacist and neo-Nazi propaganda on Facebook-owned Instagram, including footage from the Christchurch terrorist attack video. Two different uploads of a notorious ISIS bomb-making video on the Internet Archive that instructs viewers on making explosive devices using commercially available products were also found. Also, a pro-ISIS propaganda website put out a call through their Telegram channel for assistance from individuals skilled in fields such as programming, hacking, cybersecurity, editing, and translation, among others. Meanwhile, CEP researchers located a fundraiser for the Australian neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell on the website “Buy Me a Coffee” (BMAC). Sewell was charged with “affray, recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault” for an alleged videotaped attack on a television station security guard. Finally, a Telegram channel supported by the main Proud Boys channel shared two previously released videos threatening 28 journalists, researchers, and anti-fascist activists. Neo-Nazi Propaganda, Footage from Christchurch Terrorist Attack Video Located on Instagram The week of March 7 to March 13, CEP researchers located several pieces of white supremacist and neo-Nazi propaganda on Facebook-owned Instagram. Accounts with approximately 45, 80, and 160 followers uploaded slightly modified propaganda images made initially by the neo-Nazi groups Atomwaffen Division and the Feuerkrieg Division. Another account was located with approximately 150 followers, and referenced a murder committed by a member of the Atomwaffen Division in the username, contained neo-Nazi imagery and statements, and praised ISIS. Despite violating Instagram’s Community Guidelines, the account was not removed after it was reported. An additional account with over 2,500 followers was advertising items for sale, including The Turner Diaries, knives, pepper spray, and white supremacist clothing.
CEP researchers also located an account that posted an approximately 30-second clip from the March 15, 2019, Christchurch terrorist attack that was slightly modified so that the attacker made a different vocal statement. The clip was posted on February 20, 2021, and had 46 views when it was located. Instagram removed the video approximately five minutes after CEP reported it. The account that posted the clip was not removed. Another account that posted a meme containing a screenshot from the Christchurch attacker’s video was reported for violating the site’s Community Guidelines but was not removed by Instagram. The photo was posted on August 28, 2019, and had 20 likes.
via counter extremism: Extremist Content Online: Footage From Christchurch Terrorist Attack Video, Other White Supremacist Content, Found On Instagram