Militant groups such as Islamic State (IS) are increasingly using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce fake images, videos and audio as part of their propaganda and recruitment efforts.
Experts say extremist organisations began experimenting with AI tools soon after programs like ChatGPT became widely accessible and have expanded their use ever since.
Generative AI allows even small, poorly funded groups to create realistic-looking content at scale, helping them spread messages across social media and encrypted platforms. Analysts say such material can be amplified by algorithms, making it easier to reach new audiences and fuel polarisation.
IS and its affiliated groups have used AI-generated images during major conflicts and attacks to provoke outrage and attract recruits, while also deploying deepfake audio and rapid translations to circulate messages globally. Although their use of advanced AI remains limited for now, intelligence officials warn the risks will grow as the technology becomes more powerful and accessible.
Lawmakers in the U.S. and elsewhere are now pushing for stronger monitoring and regulation, arguing that governments and tech companies must move faster to prevent AI from becoming a key tool for extremist violence.
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