Five Eyes Warn of Rising Youth Radicalisation Driven by Online Extremism

Joint analysis from intelligence agencies highlights increasing exploitation of vulnerable young people on digital platforms.

The Five Eyes alliance, comprising Australia, the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand, has released a joint report on the alarming rise of youth radicalisation influenced by extremist content online.
Australia's intelligence chief Mike Burgess revealed that 20% of ASIO's priority counter-terrorism cases now involve young people, with every terrorist attack or disruption in 2024 linked to youth perpetrators.
The report identifies mental ill health, neurodiversity, and social isolation as key factors making young individuals susceptible to radicalisation, particularly through gaming and messaging platforms.
Authorities are urging parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals to detect early signs of radicalisation, emphasizing that intervention often comes too late when law enforcement gets involved.
Australian officials have announced plans for a new national strategy to counter violent extremism, informed by insights from the Five Eyes collaboration.