Australia Police Warn of 'Tsunami' of Youth Radicalisation
Police say radicalisation of children can happen in days, citing AI and online networks.
Key facts
- Police warned a parliamentary inquiry that Australia faces a 'tsunami' of radicalisation among young people (S1).
- Acting AFP Deputy Commissioner Sandra Booth said radicalisation can now happen within days (S2).
- Since 2020, 65 children aged 12‑17 have been subject to federal police operations, 35 charged (S2).
- ASIO Deputy Director‑General Claire McGinnis said the counter‑terrorism caseload is getting younger (S2).
- Police cited artificial intelligence as a factor accelerating radicalisation (S2).
A parliamentary inquiry heard police officials describe Australia as facing a 'tsunami' of radicalisation among children and teenagers (S1).
Acting AFP Deputy Commissioner Sandra Booth said the process of radicalisation, which used to take months or years, can now happen within days (S2).
Booth cited artificial intelligence, a growing grievance generation, and online networks as reasons for the accelerated pace (S2).
Examples presented included a 13‑year‑old boy charged after police found a notebook with school‑shooting plans, and a teenager charged with child‑abuse material offences (S1).
ASIO Deputy Director‑General Claire McGinnis said the agency’s caseload is shifting to younger ages, with an 11‑year‑old participating in a de‑radicalisation program (S2).
Police officials said they are considering expanding powers to disrupt harmful online chat groups (S1).
Context
The reports come from a parliamentary inquiry into youth radicalisation. Police and intelligence officials say that the use of AI and online networks is speeding up the radicalisation process, raising concerns about the capacity of mental‑health and judicial systems.
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