Exploring the role of the Internet in radicalisation and offending of convicted extremists
This report presents findings from a quantitative study, which aimed to explore the role of the Internet in radicalisation and offending of 235 convicted extremists in England and Wales.
Applies to England and Wales
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The aim of the study was to establish the role of the Internet in radicalisation processes and offending of those convicted of extremist offences in England and Wales by comparing radicalisation pathways across 3 groups: those who primarily radicalised online; those who primarily radicalised offline; and those radicalised through both online and offline influences.
Four key areas were investigated: first, whether the Internet plays a prominent role in radicalisation; second, whether those taking different radicalisation pathways differ in their internet use; third, whether differences exist in demographic profiles and type of offences committed by those taking different radicalisation pathways; and fourth, whether the pathway taken impacts on professionals’ perceptions of risk of committing future violent extremist offences.
Detailed post-conviction assessments were reviewed, which included 267 Extremism Risk Guidance (ERG22+) and 2 Structured Risk Guidance (SRG) reports. Both the ERG22+ and SRG assessments are risk and need formulation tools intended for use with individuals who have been convicted of any extremist or extremist-related offence. The sample of reports included within the study comprised all that were available on the convicted extremist population in England and Wales from October 2010 to December 2017.
The key findings and implications relating to each of the 4 areas under investigation are presented in the report, resulting in five recommendations to inform future counter-terrorism policy and practice.
The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and are not necessarily shared by the Ministry of Justice (nor do they represent Government policy).