Europol Targets Terrorist Role-Playing Online

Europol and law enforcement authorities from 16 countries have referred more than 9,000 links to violent extremist and terrorist content identified across 47 social media and gaming platforms. The coordinated action targeted online role-playing communities accused of promoting extremist narratives, propaganda and recruitment.

Led by Europol’s European Union Internet Referral Unit in cooperation with Spain, the action focused on content linked to jihadist, right-wing, left-wing and anarchist violent extremism and terrorism. Investigators said individuals and groups were using live-action role-playing and gaming environments to recreate terrorist organisations, symbols and attacks.

Europol said such communities can use interactive gaming experiences to spread propaganda, recruit followers—including young people and minors—and contribute to radicalisation. Authorities referred the material to the platforms hosting it for review and potential removal in accordance with their policies and applicable laws.

The operation builds on a similar referral action conducted in 2025 and forms part of Europol’s broader programme targeting terrorist and violent extremist propaganda online. The agency said the effort also supports European Union priorities to strengthen cooperation with the gaming industry and address the misuse of online gaming environments.