ABSTRACT
This chapter considers examines the general state of legislation enacted in Western nations to affect the ways that radical organizations use the internet as a tactical and strategic tool. It also considers the ways that extremists and terrorists use the internet for recruitment and information sharing. The chapter discusses the differences in legislation with a specific focus on the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. It reviews the actions taken by social media companies and internet service providers to respond to the threat of terrorism and discusses the implications of the laws for individual free speech and privacy protections. A myriad of cases have been prosecuted under this statute since 2001, demonstrating the willingness of crown prosecutors to pursue legal action against individuals for their online activities. Packer’s ideas are also reflected in the current legal responses to cyberterrorism and online radicalization among legal and political systems.
