The Metaverse: Potential for Extremist Recruitment and Attacks

The metaverse, a blended digital and physical reality, could provide new opportunities for extremist organizations to recruit and train members, as well as create an entirely new threat landscape. Extremist recruitment could become more customized and effective through tailored advertising and advanced AI. The seamless integration of virtual and physical worlds in the metaverse could make it difficult to distinguish real people from AI-controlled entities, enhancing recruitment efforts. Additionally, the metaverse could become a target for attacks, with extremist groups potentially targeting digital critical infrastructure, sacred spaces, and political institutions. The concept of location-based attacks in the metaverse raises concerns about the planning and execution of violence, as well as the potential for psychological barriers to be overcome through immersive experiences.