On November 6, the first SCO-plus expert dialogue on security issues was held in Samarkand, bringing together international experts and officials. During the prominent gathering, the Chairman of the State Security Service (SSS) of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Colonel-General Bahodir Qurbonov, delivered a comprehensive speech addressing contemporary security challenges in the digital age.
Key Takeaways: SSS Chairman Bahodir Qurbonov revealed that over 49,000 internet resources containing extremist and terrorist elements were detected in Uzbekistan, marking a 14% increase compared to previous metrics. This alarming trend clearly illustrates the growing scale of global network exploitation for promoting radical ideologies.
The Uzbek authorities emphasized their commitment to universally recognized norms of international law and constructive cooperation with foreign partners. Within the framework of the National Strategy for Countering Extremism and Terrorism for 2021–2026, interdepartmental and international coordination mechanisms have been systematically refined. Consequently, Uzbekistan secured the 96th position in the Global Terrorism Index, placing it within the minimal risk category.
Addressing the sensitive issue of online radicalization among youth and vulnerable population segments, Bahodir Qurbonov pointed out that radicalization is a complex social phenomenon that cannot be prevented merely by blocking and deleting unlawful content. A comprehensive strategy is required, focusing on enhancing legal, spiritual, and digital literacy among the populace while fostering critical thinking and immunity against destructive ideologies. * To effectively counter these modern threats, Uzbekistan proposed establishing a specialized mechanism under the auspices of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to exchange best practices in preventing online radicalization. Furthermore, the SSS chief stressed the necessity of strengthening cooperation with international digital platforms and technology administrations to promptly identify and neutralize coordinated networks spreading terrorist propaganda.
Source: www.gazeta.uz