Roadmap for Answer Writing

Introduction

• Briefly introduce the importance of the internet and social media in today’s interconnected world.
• Mention that while these platforms provide several benefits, they are increasingly misused by non-state actors for subversive activities.

Body

1. Misuse of Internet and Social Media by Non-State Actors:

• • Terrorism and Extremism:

    • Highlight how non-state actors use social media to spread extremist ideologies, recruit members, and incite violence.
    • Fact: According to Europol’s Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA), over 80% of terrorist organizations use social media platforms to spread propaganda. (Source: Europol)

  • Cyberattacks:

    • Discuss how cyberattacks by state-sponsored non-state actors target critical infrastructure, financial institutions, etc.
    • Fact: The 2020 cyberattack on the U.S. Treasury by suspected Russian hackers compromised sensitive data, showcasing how non-state actors use sophisticated cyber tools for espionage and disruption. (Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

  • Misinformation and Fake News:

    • Explain the use of social media to spread fake news, misinformation, and conspiracy theories to destabilize societies.
    • Fact: A study by the Oxford Internet Institute revealed that organized disinformation campaigns on social media were identified in 81 countries as of 2021, targeting elections and civic institutions. (Source: Oxford Internet Institute)

  • Radicalization of Youth:

    • Mention how non-state actors target vulnerable sections like youth for radicalization using encrypted messaging apps and social networks.
    • Fact: In India, over 30,000 pieces of radicalizing content were found on social media platforms in a single year, posing security challenges. (Source: Ministry of Home Affairs, India)

2. Guidelines to Curb the Threat:

• • Strengthening Cyber Laws:

    • Suggest enacting stronger cyber laws and penal measures against the spread of hate speech, terrorism, and fake news.
    • Fact: India’s IT Rules 2021 have sought to impose accountability on social media platforms for content regulation. (Source: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, India)

  • Collaboration Between Government and Social Media Platforms:

    • Recommend a stronger partnership between governments and platforms to monitor and take down harmful content swiftly.

  • Capacity Building in Cyber Security:

    • Emphasize the need to develop a highly trained cybersecurity force to tackle cyberattacks.
    • Fact: Global cybersecurity training programs have increased by 15% annually, but the gap remains high, with over 3.5 million unfilled positions by 2023. (Source: Cybersecurity Ventures)

  • Public Awareness Campaigns:

    • Encourage governments to launch awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of fake news and online radicalization.

  • International Cooperation:

    • Stress the importance of international cooperation for sharing intelligence on cyber threats and tackling the global nature of the problem.

Conclusion

• Summarize by reaffirming that while the internet and social media have positive aspects, their misuse by non-state actors poses a significant threat to national and global security.
• End with a statement on the urgent need for coordinated efforts by governments, platforms, and the public to mitigate these dangers.