(New York, N.Y.) — The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) reports weekly on the methods used by extremists and terrorist groups on the Internet to spread propaganda and incite violence. Last week, CEP researchers identified a Telegram channel with over 7,500 subscribers urging its followers to share an antisemitic propaganda video in response to Holocaust-related social media content. The full video was previously posted by one account on Twitter/X, and a clip advertising the video was posted earlier by another, garnering more than 900,000 views.
Also on Telegram, CEP located a three-and-a-half-hour compilation video released by a previously prohibited channel, promoting white supremacism and encouraging “training and preparing” and dissemination of extremist propaganda. Additionally, Telegram channels associated with the neo-Nazi group NSC-131 shared footage of a protest outside Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey's residence, condemning legal actions against the group and soliciting donations for legal expenses.
On PasteThis.To, the pro-ISIS tech group Qimam Electronic Foundation (QEF) released a series of tips for detecting spyware on Android devices, while another pro-ISIS user cautioned against trusting VPN providers due to potential data sharing with law enforcement. CEP researchers also discovered an al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) video on the Internet Archive, released on February 8, promoting lone actor attacks and praising past attackers.
In addition, the leader of the Goyim Defense League created a new Twitter/X account shortly after what was likely his previous profile was removed for disseminating antisemitic and racist content, with the new account quickly gaining followers despite posting similar extremist content. The main website for the Active Club movement also resurfaced after several months of maintenance, promoting its official Telegram channel, propaganda, and recruitment information. Finally, neo-Nazi figure James Mason released a new video reiterating his views on the failure of democracy and advocating for societal withdrawal.
Antisemitic Telegram Channel Encourages Posting Notorious Antisemitic Propaganda Video in Responses to Holocaust Museums and Education Centers
On February 13, a Telegram channel that exists to publicize and share a notorious antisemitic propaganda video encouraged its followers to share links to the video as responses to Holocaust museum, memorial, and education social media accounts. The Telegram channel has over 7,500 subscribers. One individual commented that they had been banned from an unnamed social media platform for doing what the channel advised. At the same time, another user noted that it was essential to make sure that people watched the entire series of the purported documentary that glorifies Nazi Germany and justifies the crimes of the Third Reich.
At least two Twitter/X accounts that have promoted the video have been removed from the platform. An account that posted the entire 10+ hour video on Twitter/X in June was recently made unavailable after being on the platform for eight months and receiving over 800,000 views. Another Twitter/X account that posted a clip promoting the video in July was still online on February 15, receiving over 900,000 views.
“Individuals are coordinating on Telegram to spread Holocaust denial and antisemitic propaganda on other online platforms and websites,” said CEP researcher Joshua Fisher-Birch. “These efforts seek to deny the Holocaust, intimidate and harass individuals and institutions working in Holocaust education, and spread antisemitism. This video is often spread as an introduction to antisemitism as part of a recruitment strategy by white supremacist groups. Online hate is frequently connected across different internet platforms and communications apps.”
White Supremacist Video Compilation from Removed Telegram Channel Shared on Communications App
On February 14, a compilation of approximately 40 videos edited into a single three-and-a-half-hour movie was released on Telegram. The channel that released the video has been removed from Telegram at least ten times. The movie consisted of news footage edited to reinforce white supremacist, antisemitic, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-government narratives before concluding with several minutes of clips that depicted extreme right groups and an idealized white society. The video asks the viewer what their legacy would be and encourages “training and preparing” and engaging in propaganda activities. The movie claimed to reflect the creator’s radicalization in 2018 and 2019.
The video is purported to be the first of a three-part series to be released in 2024. A unique Telegram channel was created to share the movie.
The video was shared by at least 14 Telegram channels and chats. A Terrorgram-affiliated channel admin noted that the video creator has been “one of the most impactful” Telegram propagandists.
