Q20. Use of the internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The misuse of the internet and social media by non-state actors poses significant security threats, facilitating subversive activities like misinformation, recruitment, and incitement of violence, requiring urgent attention.

Body

Misuse of the Internet and Social Media

Propaganda and Misinformation: Non-state actors disseminate false information to manipulate public opinion, destabilizing governments and promoting extremist ideologies, undermining societal trust and cohesion.
Recruitment and Radicalization: Online platforms serve as recruitment tools, enabling extremist organizations to target vulnerable individuals, and facilitating their radicalization and engagement in violent activities.
Incitement to Violence: Social media channels amplify calls for violence, encouraging hate speech and inciting communal tensions, which can lead to riots and other forms of social unrest.
Cyber Attacks and Hacking: Non-state actors exploit internet vulnerabilities to conduct cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, stealing sensitive data or disrupting essential services, posing risks to national security.
Coordination of Activities: Encrypted messaging apps allow non-state actors to organize and coordinate subversive activities discreetly, evading surveillance and law enforcement efforts, which complicates counter-terrorism initiatives.

Guidelines to Curb the Threat

Strengthen Cybersecurity Protocols: Enhance cybersecurity measures across platforms to prevent hacking and unauthorized access, safeguarding critical infrastructure and sensitive data from non-state actors.
Promote Digital Literacy: Implement educational programs to improve public understanding of misinformation and disinformation, equipping citizens to critically evaluate online content and reducing susceptibility to extremist propaganda.
Collaborate with Tech Companies: Establish partnerships with social media companies to monitor and flag extremist content effectively, ensuring timely removal and minimizing the spread of harmful narratives.
Encourage Reporting Mechanisms: Create user-friendly reporting systems for individuals to report extremist content, fostering community vigilance and enabling prompt action against non-state actors' online activities.
Enhance Law Enforcement Training: Train law enforcement agencies in digital forensics and cyber operations, empowering them to combat online radicalization and monitor non-state actors' activities effectively.

Conclusion

Addressing the misuse of the internet and social media by non-state actors is crucial for national security. Implementing robust guidelines can significantly mitigate these threats, ensuring public safety and stability.

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UPSC 2016 Mains GS3 Model Answer - Use of the internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

Table of contents

Q20. Use of the internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

Introduction

Body

Misuse of the Internet and Social Media

Guidelines to Curb the Threat

Conclusion

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