Terrorist groups can turn to NFTs to raise funds and spread messages – WSJ
National security experts have sounded the alarm over the "IS-NEWS #01" NFT, which is considered the first case of an NFT created and shared by a "terrorist sympathizer".
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The first known case of a non-fungible token (NFT) created and shared by a 'terrorist sympathizer' has come to light, raising concerns that the immutable nature of blockchain technology could contribute to the spread of messages and terrorist propaganda.
In a September 4 article in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), intelligence experts said the NFT could be a sign that the Islamic State and other terrorist groups may also be using the chain's technology blocks to evade sanctions and raise funds for their terrorist campaigns. .
The NFT in question was reportedly discovered by Raphael Gluck, co-founder of US research firm Jihadoscope, who discovered the NFT through pro-ISIS social media accounts.
Dubbed “IS-NEWS #01,” the digital token is said to be an image bearing the Islamic State emblem with text praising Afghanistan-based Islamic militants for attacking a Taliban position.
Mario Cosby, a former federal intelligence analyst specializing in blockchain currencies, said the user created two more NFTs on August 26; one showing an Islamic State fighter teaching students how to make explosives and the other condemning them to smoke cigarettes.
A IS-NEWS #01 NFT screenshot (left). Source: The Wall Street JournalAnalysts said this could be a sign that terrorist groups may be using emerging technology to spread their message and test new funding strategies.
"It's really an experiment […] to find ways to make content indestructible," Gluck said.
The digital token was reportedly listed on the OpenSea NFT Marketplace, but the company quickly removed the listing and closed the poster account, citing a “zero tolerance policy on incitement to hatred and violence.”
The trio of NFTs were also reportedly featured on the Rarible NFT Marketplace and several others before being removed.
Although none of the NFTs appear to have been traded, Cosby...
National security experts have sounded the alarm over the "IS-NEWS #01" NFT, which is considered the first case of an NFT created and shared by a "terrorist sympathizer".
New
The first known case of a non-fungible token (NFT) created and shared by a 'terrorist sympathizer' has come to light, raising concerns that the immutable nature of blockchain technology could contribute to the spread of messages and terrorist propaganda.
In a September 4 article in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), intelligence experts said the NFT could be a sign that the Islamic State and other terrorist groups may also be using the chain's technology blocks to evade sanctions and raise funds for their terrorist campaigns. .
The NFT in question was reportedly discovered by Raphael Gluck, co-founder of US research firm Jihadoscope, who discovered the NFT through pro-ISIS social media accounts.
Dubbed “IS-NEWS #01,” the digital token is said to be an image bearing the Islamic State emblem with text praising Afghanistan-based Islamic militants for attacking a Taliban position.
Mario Cosby, a former federal intelligence analyst specializing in blockchain currencies, said the user created two more NFTs on August 26; one showing an Islamic State fighter teaching students how to make explosives and the other condemning them to smoke cigarettes.
A IS-NEWS #01 NFT screenshot (left). Source: The Wall Street JournalAnalysts said this could be a sign that terrorist groups may be using emerging technology to spread their message and test new funding strategies.
"It's really an experiment […] to find ways to make content indestructible," Gluck said.
The digital token was reportedly listed on the OpenSea NFT Marketplace, but the company quickly removed the listing and closed the poster account, citing a “zero tolerance policy on incitement to hatred and violence.”
The trio of NFTs were also reportedly featured on the Rarible NFT Marketplace and several others before being removed.
Although none of the NFTs appear to have been traded, Cosby...
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