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The Spreading of Stochastic Terror

Extremist internet rhetoric is no longer confining itself to virtual echo chambers but is actively transforming into harassment with real-world consequences for public figures. How does this ‘networked violence’ work? Dan Evans reports

In 2023, Byline Times published the first in a series of articles online as part of its investigation into the then GB News presenter Dan Wootton’s ‘catfishing’ activities. He responded by declaring on his show that “dark forces” wanted to bring the channel down.

In the days that followed, verbal threats were made to Byline Times’ Executive Editor. Emails containing threats were received by the team, mentioning the location of where it meets. And one reporter found red liquid – what appeared to be blood – smeared on their car window.

It was just one example, close to home, of the phenomenon of ‘stochastic terrorism’ at work.

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