AI-Powered Extremism: Examining the Potential Use of Gen AI Tools for Jihadist Propaganda in Indonesia
Ary Hermawan, author
Date of publication:
2026
Publisher:
ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Number of pages:
21
Code:
TRS8/26
Soft Cover
ISBN: 9789815361506
About the publication
- Indonesian authorities and scholars have long warned against the potential abuse of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) by terrorist groups to spread their violent ideology in cyberspace. But there is little evidence that terror groups linked to the Islamic State (IS) or al-Qaeda have adopted the novel technology in any extensive way.
- Several factors have contributed to the slow adoption of Gen AI tools for jihadist propaganda. This study classifies these into two categories: one related to the nature of AI technology, and the other to the capacity of violent groups to harness it.
- Indonesian terrorist groups linked to al-Qaeda and IS have suffered significant setbacks in recent years, with the IS-affiliated group Jamaah Ansharu Daulah (JAD) being severely pursued by the authorities, and the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) voluntarily disbanding. This has weakened their capacity to harness Gen AI–based tools.
- While there is a risk that sympathizers of terrorist groups on social media may use Gen AI technology for propaganda purposes, advanced AI tools are less accessible than social media platforms. There are constraints to what they can do with AI technology, including the safety measures imposed by global AI companies.
- Despite the slow adoption rate of Gen AI tools for jihadist propaganda in Indonesia, policymakers must remain vigilant against jihadi groups. Accordingly, they must harness the affordances provided by Gen AI technology to address its potential abuse by extremist groups.
Contents
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AI-Powered Extremism: Examining the Potential Use of Gen AI Tools for Jihadist Propaganda in Indonesia
[Whole Publication, ISBN: 9789815361513], by Ary Hermawan, author
