The sub-project at the Center Technology and Society (ZTG) at TU Berlin focuses on the connection between online communication and real-world orientations for action in the context of radicalisation processes. The initial focus is on questions regarding specific forms of expression and communication behaviour in corresponding communities and the development of corresponding models for risk assessment. Based on these results, a comparison with real-world orientations and patterns of action will follow in a further phase. For this purpose, narrative interviews will be conducted with people who are active on these platforms and analysed reconstructively.
Research lead: Dr. Robert Pelzer (Coordination of the research alliance)
Research associate: Tobias Weidmann
An overview of the sub-project can be found here.
The main aim of the sub-project is to research the level of knowledge, perspectives and needs of the various sectors in relation to radicalisation and combating it on gaming (-adjacent) platforms and messenger services. A particular focus is on the transfer of civil society knowledge to other sectors. Based on these findings, information materials and exchange formats will be developed that enable a bidirectional transfer of knowledge. Through focus group interviews and co-creative workshops, the needs of the sectors will be identified and exchanged. The aim is to promote the exchange of knowledge between stakeholders and thus develop more effective measures to prevent and combat digital extremism.
Research lead: Maik Fielitz
Research associate: Matthias Heider
Student assistant: Dominik Lux
Further information on the sub-project can be found here (German).
With a case study on the so-called incel scene, the LKA 53 of the Berlin Criminal Investigation Division (LKA) is researching an important section of radicalisation activity in connection with gaming (-adjacent) platforms from a practical perspective as part of the joint project. In addition to this case study, LKA 53 is also involved in the development and testing of practical solutions for analysing data on gaming (-adjacent) platforms and messenger services.
As a practical partner, the LKA 53 contributes its expertise in internet analysis and ensures that the research results are disseminated to other security authorities.
Project lead: Sarah-Marisa Wegener
Research lead: Kevin Weyda
Research associate: Hannes Jakim Peter
Group dynamics in instant messenger services and gaming (-adjacent) platforms.
The aim of the sub-project "Group dynamics in instant messenger services and gaming platforms", led by LMU Munich, is to analyse communication in instant messenger services and gaming (-adjacent) platforms. In particular, this analysis serves to develop a model for predicting criminally relevant content in communication on messenger services. Based on group-dynamic and psycholinguistic characteristics of the communication process, this model is intended to create a basis for a screening procedure to predict criminally relevant dynamics in messenger communication.
Research lead: Prof. Dr. Diana Rieger
Research lead: Simon Greipl, M.Sc.
Research associate: Ulrike Schwertberger, M.A.
The sub-project addresses technical support for researchers and users to analyse and visualise large amounts of data with the help of a screening and monitoring tool. In addition to technical support in data acquisition, visualisation methods and machine learning methods for the (pre-)evaluation of data can provide important insights. The aim is to train AI models for radicalisation processes in the gaming sector that can identify relevant multimedia files (images, sound and video).
Senior Data Scientist: Dr. Mathias Uhlenbrock
More information can be found here.
Analysis of radicalisation processes and prevention measures on gaming (-adjacent) platforms.
The RadiGaMe sub-project of the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) has three main topics.
First of all, it undertakes a comprehensive evaluation of the communication behaviour of users at risk of radicalisation on gaming (-adjacent) platforms. For this purpose, a mapping is carried out which takes up the relevant actors and platforms and makes them accessible. Content analysis methods are used to conduct in-depth case studies. Secondly, the resulting findings will be compared with the experience and expertise of prevention practice and previous prevention measures will be analysed. Furthermore, the coordination of knowledge transfer is one of the PRIF's main tasks. Dialogue and open access formats are being sought.
Research lead: Prof. Julian Junk
Research lead: Linda Schlegel
Research associate: Constantin Winkler
Research associate: Lars Wiegold
Student assistant: Jan Hoffmann
Student assistant: Johannes-León von Eyb
A sub-project description can be found here.
On the one hand, the RUB sub-project deals with potentially criminal behaviour that typically occurs on gaming (-adjacent) platforms as part of radicalisation processes and how to deal with it within the gaming communities. In particular, this concerns offences against public order such as incitement to hatred (Section 130 StGB), depiction of violence (Section 131 StGB) and disturbing the public peace by threatening to commit criminal offences (Section 126 StGB). On the other hand, the constitutional, intervention and data protection requirements for analyses and monitoring of group-related communication content on messenger services and gaming (-adjacent) platforms by security authorities are to be specified. RUB is also developing legal guidelines for the collection and processing of data from non-public and semi-public channels as part of the research project.
Research lead: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Sebastian Golla
Research associate: Charlotte Korenke
Research associate: Marius Kühne
Student assistant: Linn Schwalm
