Federal investigators and researchers over at the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) are apparently diving deep into the world of gaming. Rumor has it that a leaked briefing document has surfaced, revealing that the agency, established post-9/11 to combat global terrorism, is keeping a close eye on the activities of “violent extremist US teens” within various online gaming platforms, such as Fortnite and Battle.net. The document, reportedly disclosed by independent journalist Dan Boguslaw, showcases a list of different gaming platforms where individuals engage in gaming and their respective functionalities. The extensive list includes Battle.net, Discord, Fortnite, PlayStation Network, Roblox, Steam, Twitch, and Xbox Live. Of all the platforms listed, Discord stands out as the only one that covers all bases in terms of functionality, including “text chat,” “voice chat,” “video chat,” “image sharing,” “friend lists,” and “discoverable communities.”
The leaked memo suggests that there is a possibility that violent extremist US teens might be utilizing online games and gaming-related networks and apps to communicate with like-minded individuals, plan activities, or disseminate terrorist propaganda. The document also touches on the issue of “terrorist messaging,” which remains a vague concept. Following the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, platforms like Discord, Twitch, and Steam have been summoned to testify before Congress. Moreover, President Trump’s recent declaration of Antifa as a terrorist organization and calls from the Heritage Foundation to categorize “Transgender Ideology-Inspired Violent Extremism” (TIVE) as a domestic terrorism threat have added further complexity to the situation. The NCTC memo stresses that the mere presence of an individual on gaming platforms does not automatically indicate illicit behavior, and law enforcement should not act solely based on the exercise of constitutionally protected rights. However, authorities are advised to investigate further if they detect any suspicious activities on these platforms. Surprisingly, notable platforms like YouTube and Nintendo Switch Online are absent from the list, despite their significant presence in the gaming community. Perhaps the country’s counterterrorism experts do not consider Mario Kart World a potential breeding ground for political violence.
Not really sure why this matters, but the leaked NCTC memo sheds light on the agency’s monitoring of online gaming activities, particularly among violent extremist US teens. With the rise of online gaming as a popular form of entertainment and communication, it comes as no surprise that federal agencies are taking a keen interest in this virtual world. While the document emphasizes the need for caution in interpreting individuals’ presence on gaming platforms, it also highlights the potential risks associated with communication on these platforms. The ongoing scrutiny of gaming platforms by government authorities reflects a broader concern over the use of digital spaces for illicit activities, including terrorist messaging and plotting. As the debate around domestic terrorism and online extremism continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how gaming platforms will navigate their role in ensuring a safe and secure online environment for users.
