Games platforms exploited by far-right extremists to recruit teens, report finds

Extremists Using Gaming Platforms to Target Teenagers, Study Warns

Research published in *Frontiers in Psychology* has revealed that extremist groups and individuals are exploiting livestream gaming platforms to recruit and radicalize vulnerable users, primarily young males. These platforms allow players to communicate in real time while gaming, making them a potential space for harmful influence.

Authorities in the UK have warned parents to remain vigilant during the summer break, as online offenders may take advantage of reduced supervision to target young people. Last week, Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, and the National Crime Agency issued a joint alert, cautioning that criminals could exploit the holiday period to engage in unlawful activities with minors.

Dr. William Allchorn, a researcher at Anglia Ruskin University, co-authored the study with Dr. Elisa Orofino. They found that platforms linked to gaming have become "digital playgrounds" for extremist activities. According to Allchorn, young users are being deliberately redirected from mainstream social media to these spaces, where the sheer volume and nature of the content makes moderation difficult.

The research identified far-right ideology as the most prevalent among extremist users, with some sharing material glorifying extreme violence, including school shootings. A recent case involved Felix Winter, an 18-year-old who was sentenced to six years in prison after threatening a mass shooting at his school in Edinburgh. The court heard he had been radicalized online, spending over 1,000 hours in a pro-Nazi Discord group.

Allchorn noted that far-right organizations have intensified efforts to recruit young people through gaming-related events, particularly since the pandemic. As mainstream platforms have banned extremist groups, individuals now seek out potential sympathizers in public online spaces, such as Discord or Facebook groups. Some young users initially engage with extreme content for shock value, but this can make them vulnerable to further targeting.

The study also highlighted the challenges faced by platform moderators, who struggle with inconsistent enforcement policies and the pressure of determining when to escalate concerns to law enforcement. Although in-game chat is often unmoderated, moderators described being overwhelmed by the scale of harmful content.

Allchorn added that extremists have adapted their tactics as platforms crack down on explicit propaganda. Instead of direct ideological messaging, they now focus on building trust with potential recruits. The findings underscore the need for greater awareness and intervention to protect young users online.