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EU flags deepfake-fueled online extremism as 4,340 URLs found

9/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator Bartjan Wegter warned that a new online-driven nihilistic violent extremism threatens Europe.
Police in nine EU countries identified about 4,340 URLs linked to the online community “The COM.”
One-third of the 486 arrested suspects were under 18, mostly boys.
EU officials say AI-generated deepfakes, bots and apps boost violent content, with 85% of investigations now digital.

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Story summary

EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator Bartjan Wegter warned that a new online-driven nihilistic violent extremism threatens Europe.
Police in nine EU countries identified about 4,340 URLs linked to the online community “The COM.”
One-third of the 486 arrested suspects were under 18, mostly boys.
EU officials say AI-generated deepfakes, bots and apps boost violent content, with 85% of investigations now digital.