Experts say spread of misinformation and use of encrypted services drives far-right extremists and racism
The federal government needs to take action against encrypted messaging apps like Telegram to curb the rise of far-right extremism, a Victorian inquiry has been told.
Dr Christine Agius, an associate professor in politics at Swinburne University, told the inquiry that encrypted apps are also allowing the far right to draw in people from the “fringes of society” to share grievances.But while these groups are concerning, Agius said governments needed to ensure they were not too heavy-handed in their response, as shutting down far-right extremists may lead them to believe their freedom of expression is being suppressed – bolstering their views.
“People who spread misinformation have become much more sophisticated and smarter in terms of how they package information,” she said.