radicalization Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

$1B DEI slush fund: Minecraft extremism study & “intersectional” virtual reality

The Canadian government has invested over billion in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives since 2016, with funding exceeding 4 million across 29 departments and agencies. Notable expenditures include a ,522 grant from Public Safety Canada for a study on radicalization linked to gaming communities, a .2 million award to the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce for developing virtual reality software for women entrepreneurs, a ,000 grant for research on gender and race in Canada’s space program, and a ,595 grant to the University of British Columbia for establishing a research network on parks and protected areas. Concerns have been raised by lawmakers about the effectiveness and transparency of these expenditures, with calls for clear metrics to evaluate outcomes. Harvard cognitive scientist Steven Pinker cautioned that DEI mandates might inhibit free inquiry and stifle dissenting voices.

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

Discord, Steam, Twitch and Reddit bosses called to testify before US Congress

Leaders of major digital platforms, including Humam Sakhnini from Discord, Gabe Newell from Valve, Dan Clancy from Twitch, and Steve Huffman from Reddit, are scheduled to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on October 8th. This hearing follows the murder of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk, raising concerns about online radicalization. Committee chair James Comer described the incident as a "politically motivated assassination" and emphasized the need for Congress to oversee online platforms that may facilitate political violence. The inquiry will focus on the responsibility of tech leaders to ensure the safety and integrity of their platforms and the measures being taken to combat radicalization.

AppWizard

February 26, 2025

Scottish children being ‘brainwashed’ by Neo-Nazis through popular video game

Concerns have arisen about the influence of far-right ideologies on Scottish children through the video game Minecraft, with experts warning that neo-Nazi groups may exploit the game's open design to spread extremist propaganda. These groups are reportedly using Minecraft's creative tools to create avatars and environments that glorify figures like Adolf Hitler and the Ku Klux Klan, as well as disturbing representations of historical atrocities. Ian Acheson from the Counter Extremism Project highlighted the ease of recruitment within gaming environments, while Ashton Kingdon described the situation as a "Wild West" for young gamers, noting that extremist groups utilize these platforms to target vulnerable players. A report from the Royal United Services Institute found that 34% of players encountered extremist imagery, and 25% felt encouraged to join extremist groups, with Minecraft specifically mentioned for the creation of Nazi death camp depictions. In response, Microsoft stated they have a dedicated team for player safety and moderation, implementing in-game reporting tools and filters to block inappropriate content, and maintaining a strict policy against terrorist and violent extremist content.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

How the far right recruits children: making Hitler on Minecraft

Experts have identified that Minecraft is being used as a recruitment tool by far-right extremists to radicalize young players. Neo-Nazi groups have manipulated the game's creative features to spread propaganda and create disturbing imagery related to hate. The in-game chat functions have also become a platform for racist rhetoric. Ian Acheson from the Home Office has raised concerns about the game's environment being conducive to recruitment, while Ashton Kingdon emphasized the need for awareness and intervention to protect children from extremist influences in gaming.