Dangerous games: Extremists lure young people into the digital abyss
Dangerous games: Extremists lure young people into the digital abyss
Bremerhaven, Deutschland - On June 12, 2025, the digital radicalization of children and adolescents is perceived as a serious threat. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Interior is clearly against the dangerous activities of extremists who are increasingly using gaming platforms to address young people. This is referred to as an alarming trend, since certain forums and chat groups offer the extremists with retreat.
The Interior Ministers' Conference in Bremerhaven is now intended to advise measures against these developments. Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) has made his concern about this development clear and recognizes the urgent need for action. Hidden contacts between extremists and adolescents often take place via voice chats or private groups, which makes the intervention more difficult. The contact is done in an often unnoticed frame, and anonymity in the digital rooms makes it more difficult to take measures.
radicalization through gaming
A variety of extremist groups, including right -wing extremist, Islamists and conspiracy ideologists, specifically turns to young people. These take the opportunity to build trust and manipulate the young gamers. The Ministry of the Interior sees the need to comprehensively analyze extremist recruitment strategies in order to be able to react better to these threats. However, the authorities are still at the beginning of their efforts in the fight against radicalization.
In addition, an interdisciplinary research project called Radigame, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, is also presented and supported by various universities and the State Criminal Police Office in Berlin. This project aims to better understand the threats in digital space and to develop measures for prevention. The term of the project extends from 2023 to 2026 and is coordinated at the Center Technology and Society in Berlin.collaboration between authorities and platform operators
The interior ministers are intended to develop proposals for action that enable improved cooperation between security authorities, platform operators and institutions of youth and media protection. The need for stronger partnerships in this area is considered primarily to make the digital space safer for children and adolescents and to prevent extremist activities.
The alarming developments of recent times are a clear indication that the dangers for young people in the gaming world must be taken seriously. Determined steps and cooperative efforts are required to effectively counter digital radicalization.
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| Ort | Bremerhaven, Deutschland |
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