Terrorist organizations are increasingly using artificial intelligence for propaganda, recruitment, security, and operational planning — these are the conclusions of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) report "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Terrorism," published on July 10, 2026, by researchers Daniel Byman and V.S. Subrahmanian. The work covers networks associated with Al-Qaeda* and the Islamic State** (IS).
According to the same report, firearms and various types of explosive devices accounted for over 80% of all terrorist attacks in the past decade. Technology is not yet replacing traditional methods but is noticeably changing how extremist structures prepare and promote their activities.
Different Strategies of IS and Al-Qaeda
The approach of the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda to artificial intelligence differs noticeably and corresponds to the organizational culture of each group: the former focuses on speed and immediate effect, the latter on long-term sustainability.
Supporters of the Islamic State have been creating content using AI since 2023, including videos with synthetic presenters. In June 2025, the English-language issue of the Voice of Khorasan magazine, associated with ISIS-Khorasan*** and published by Al-Azaim Foundation, called proficiency in AI technology an individual duty for every supporter.
Supporters of Al-Qaeda have been disseminating AI-generated images also since 2023. The Al-Shabaab**** affiliated group, meanwhile, used AI-based translation tools to reach audiences in different languages — this was reported by the UN Monitoring Group in report S/2026/44, covering the period up to December 2025.
Boko Haram and Chatbots
Cambridge University researcher Antonia Julich conducted 57 interviews with 27 former members of the Boko Haram***** group, including ISWAP******, in 2025–2026. Former militants reported turning to AI systems for operational support, among them:
-
ChatGPT
-
Claude
-
Gemini
-
Grok
-
Meta AI
-
DeepSeek
The researcher's report "God has helped us, and so will AI" was released in July 2026, and her fresh comments on the topic appeared on August 3, 2026.
According to the Global Terrorism Index 2026, based on statistics for 2025, ISWAP in Nigeria increased the number of attacks from 20 to 92 over a year, resulting in 384 deaths.
Costs Fall, Control Becomes More Complex
Artificial intelligence reduces organizational costs: small networks and individuals gain the ability to perform tasks that previously required significant resources — creating propaganda, maintaining contact with potential supporters, operational support. States, meanwhile, obtain more sophisticated surveillance and analysis tools; however, terrorist structures use open models and find ways to bypass built-in restrictions.
The totality of this data shows that artificial intelligence has become part of the daily practice of extremist groups of various profiles — from large international networks to regional offshoots like ISWAP. The further spread of technology will continue to change the balance between states' monitoring capabilities and the ability of small groups to act autonomously.
AI Opinion
From the perspective of machine data analysis, the situation repeats a pattern from two decades ago, when extremist networks were the first to master internet forums and social media — long before states developed monitoring mechanisms. Technology each time outpaces regulatory response by several years.
The article does not address a separate technical aspect: the AI industry has already split into closed models with enhanced protection and open alternatives without such restrictions. Major developers, including Anthropic and OpenAI, restrict access to their most powerful cybersecurity models for the general audience, as previously reported by Hash Telegraph. The paradox is that such restrictions protect legitimate users but have little effect on groups that rely on open models and find ways to bypass filters. Will this access gap remain a deterrent or turn into another arms race between defenders and attackers?
* The organization is recognized as terrorist, its activities are prohibited in Russia.
** The organization is recognized as terrorist, its activities are prohibited in Russia.
*** Is a structural unit of an organization recognized as terrorist and banned in Russia.
**** The organization is recognized as terrorist, its activities are prohibited in Russia.
***** The organization is recognized as terrorist, its activities are prohibited in Russia.
****** Is a structural unit of/is linked to an organization recognized as terrorist and banned in Russia.
