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Technology is driving an increase in online threats to the UK, senior officials say
Police say hostile states and extremists are using apps to recruit, radicalize and plan attacks, with more than 20 Iranian-backed plots reported in 2025.
- On Thursday, senior British police officials warned that technology and online platforms are increasingly fueling threats to the United Kingdom from hostile countries, extremists, and right-wing groups.
- While Islamic extremism remains the primary threat, Laurence Taylor, head of counterterrorism police, noted that far-right and hostile-state threats have grown substantially over the past five years.
- Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counterterrorism at the Metropolitan Police, called the hostile-state threat the "most rapidly escalating mission," citing more than 20 Iranian-backed plots in 2025 alone.
- Children are increasingly radicalized online, Taylor said, citing 22-year-old Alfie Coleman, sentenced on Wednesday to 13.5 years for attempting to buy a gun after radicalization from age 14.
- Evans emphasized a "continual battle" against online threats, stating law enforcement cannot act alone and requires technology companies to curb harmful content, as "anyone could be targeted.
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Associated Press News+16 Reposted by 16 other sources
Technology is driving an increase in attacks and threats to the UK, senior officials say
Senior British policing officials say technology and online platforms are increasingly being exploited for threats to the United Kingdom.
·New York, United States
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Technology and online platforms are increasingly being used to pose threats to the United Kingdom, including by hostile countries, extremists and ultra-right groups, high-ranking British police officers said on Thursday.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left7Leaning Right1Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 44%
C 50%
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