Mario Germano, president of the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) in Rhineland-Palatinate, sees the increasing self-radicalization of youth on TikTok. “We now have an increasing number of cases in which minors have been radicalized through TikTok,” Germano said in an interview with the German Press Agency in Mainz.
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Radical groups reach many people with their propaganda
With TikTok, Islamist and right-wing extremist propaganda has found a platform on which it is much easier than before to address large groups of people by distributing leaflets in markets or holding controversial demonstrations in city centres, Germano said. “It is being deliberately exploited.”
“On TikTok, radical groups have live stream formats and can play a variety of video snippets, which the algorithm replays, ultimately doing the work for them.” This is much more effective than addressing people. “It has become more convenient for people to be active on TikTok,” especially because the algorithm selects a receptive target group without any effort.
Algorithm streams promotions into kids’ rooms
Anyone who understands the tricks and tips that can be used to increase reach on TikTok can easily extend this to the kids’ room. “Then it comes to people who are sometimes burdened with problems, perhaps they even have identity problems or adjustment problems.”
These children and young people will first find a communication partner with whom they can discuss specific questions. “Basically psychological support in the children’s room.” There will then be greater division and contact will be used exclusively to promote radicalism.
(mho)
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