Terrorgram

Logo of Terrorgram, which is a combination of the Telegram app logo and Waffen-SS insignia[1]

Terrorgram (sometimes stylised in all caps)[2] refers to a decentralized network[1] of Telegram channels and accounts that subscribe to or promote militant accelerationism. Terrorgram channels are neo-fascist in ideology, and regularly share instructions and manuals on how to carry out acts of racially-motivated violence[clarification needed] and anti-government terrorism. Terrorgram is a key communications forum for individuals and networks attached to Atomwaffen Division, The Base, and other explicit militant accelerationist groups.[3]

In 2021, the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), an international think-tank, exposed more than 200 neo-Nazi pro-terrorism Telegram channels that make up the Terrorgram network, many of which contained instructions for building weapons and bombs.[2][4][5] Telegram shadowbans channels promoting violence, but according to Southern Poverty Law Center such channels grew exponentially despite Telegram's policing, one accelerationist channel boasting 16,552 followers.[6] In September 2024, the United States announced charges against the two alleged leaders of the network.[7]

  1. ^ a b "Terrorgram". Anti-Defamation League. 25 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Bratislava was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference GNET was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Telegram Is Leaving a Terrorist Bomb-Making Channel Online". Vice News. 23 November 2022. Archived from the original on 7 November 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
  5. ^ "Telegram blocks 'dozens' of hardcore hate channels". TechCrunch. 23 November 2022. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
  6. ^ "How an Encrypted Messaging Platform is Changing Extremist Movements". Southern Poverty Law Center. 18 October 2024.
  7. ^ Anderson, Nate (10 September 2024). ""HAIL HOLY TERROR": Two US citizens charged for running online "Terrorgram Collective"". Ars Technica. Retrieved 11 September 2024.