Petroplex News

Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) have reintroduced the Countering Online Radicalization and Terrorism Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to protect Americans from threats posed by maligned foreign adversaries through cloud-based messaging applications. The bill mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conduct annual assessments on terrorism threats stemming from these platforms.

"More than 20 years after 9/11, the advent of cloud-based technology has given terrorist groups even more tools to use in their pursuit of deadly chaos," said Rep. Pfluger. He highlighted concerns about foreign-controlled apps like TikTok and Telegram, emphasizing their role in spreading extremist ideology and messages with significant reach. "Considering the heightened threat landscape created by terrorist organizations around the world, especially as we saw in October of 2023 with the devastating terrorist attack in Israel, DHS must take steps to assess and address this threat before it’s too late."

Rep. Panetta echoed these sentiments, stating, "Terrorist organizations and U.S. adversaries understand the power of social media and the ability for foreign-owned cloud-based mobile and desktop applications to advance their agendas." He noted that the bill would enhance DHS's capability to detect vulnerabilities on these platforms.

The legislation addresses concerns about platforms like TikTok and Telegram being used by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) such as Hamas, Hizballah, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, among others. These groups reportedly use such applications for recruitment, fundraising, inciting violence, and coordinating activities.

Since Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, there have been instances where Hamas’ military wing used foreign applications to disseminate extremist content online. Additionally, discussions have been held regarding anti-Semitism trends on U.S. college campuses following these attacks.

In March 2024, a hearing was convened to examine Iran’s axis of resistance's status concerning homeland security implications. Further actions included requests for information from former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and former FBI Director Christopher Wray regarding law enforcement responses to campus demonstrations.

The use of TikTok by millions to view content glorifying Osama bin Laden's "Letter to America" is also cited as a concern. Pro-ISIS accounts celebrating violent acts have further underscored the need for legislative action.

Chairman Pfluger previously requested a briefing from Secretary Mayorkas and Director Wray regarding TikTok's review process due to its ownership by Chinese firm ByteDance Ltd., which he received in February 2024.