INFORMATION DIMENSIONS OF CONTEMPORARY TERRORISM-THEORETICAL DILEMMAS AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Although there are also analytical and theoretical disagreements regarding the definition of terrorism as well the concept of information terrorism, terrorism and its information aspects have undoubtedly become increasingly important to the western security threat assessment. Western society’s dependence on information technology and infrastructure is supposed to be exploited by contemporary terrorists to sow terror, fear and a feeling of threat. In a fundamental sense, (information) terrorists could even have so physical effects as well collateral damage should be caused. Is in consequence information terrorism hype or reality? In terms of physical violence, one would have to agree with the sceptics who say that we cannot talk of information terrorism until life or property, or the normal functioning of basic social processes, are actually threatened by a terrorist attack on critical information infrastructure. In terms of fear and the psychological aspects of the terrorist threat, it is clear that terrorism could not exist without (interactive digital) media coverage. Last but not least, we should also be aware that the internet is becoming an ever more important tool in the hands of terrorists for gathering information, spreading propaganda, fundraising and operation and coordination management. The cheapness and diffusion of information technology means that it has become simultaneously the tool and target of terrorist activities.