The acting UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, Alexander Zuev, confirmed that terrorist organizations are actively using video games to attract and recruit young people online.
Zuev explained in an interview with the Russian news agency TASS that the nature of terrorist threats is undergoing a major transformation, as the focus is no longer limited to traditional attacks such as car bombings or targeting buildings, but terrorism is rapidly moving into cyberspace, which has become a frequent arena for attempts to recruit young people.
The UN official noted that the United Nations has responded to this threat by designing highly effective programs specifically for Southeast Asia, aimed at preventing terrorists from exploiting video games to push young people towards extremism.
In assessing the capabilities of terrorist groups, Zuev pointed out that those in charge of recruitment operate at very advanced technological and technical levels, which makes it easier for them to achieve their goals in many cases.
He concluded by emphasizing that the United Nations is intensifying its cooperation with member states to develop preventive programs capable of curbing extremism and preventing recruitment into terrorist groups online.
