- A parliamentary committee has warned that social media algorithms and influencer content are contributing to the rise of new belief systems and "nihilistic violent extremism".
- The Home Affairs Committee expressed concern over insufficient regulatory scrutiny of smaller digital platforms and identified "gaps" in the Online Safety Act for addressing new forms of extremism.
- Committee Chair Dame Karen Bradley called for a unified national response involving police, health services, and local councils, stating that existing anti-radicalisation functions like Prevent are outdated for modern digital threats.
- The committee highlighted antisemitism, misogyny, and conspiracy theories as common entry points to extremist behaviour, noting that online influencers use humour, memes, and coded language to disseminate harmful messages.
- Recommendations include teaching digital skills, establishing a long-term research programme into extremism, and a cross-Government initiative to dismantle "com networks" of teenage boys involved in criminality, with the Home Office confirming a "fundamental reset" in its approach.
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