ISD warns of growing extremist ideologies, online radicalisation, and AI’s role in future terrorist threats.
Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD) has raised alarm over the evolving terror landscape, highlighting a surge in youth radicalisation and the increasing use of artificial intelligence as an enabler for extremist activities.
Diverse Extremist Ideologies On The Rise
The ISD’s 2025 Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report reveals that extremist threats remain high, driven by global conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian war and the spread of radical narratives. Between July 2024 and July 2025, eight self-radicalised Singaporeans—half of them youths—were dealt with under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
Four were radicalised by the Gaza conflict, two subscribed to pro-ISIS ideologies, and the other two embraced far-right extremism. This diversity reflects a worrying trend: terrorism is no longer confined to a single ideology but spans multiple extremist beliefs.
Online Platforms Accelerate Radicalisation
The ISD notes that radicalisation is now faster, with the average period halved from 24 months before 2015 to just 12 months in recent years. Social media, gaming platforms like Discord, and video-sharing sites such as YouTube have become catalysts for extremist influence.
In one alarming case, a 15-year-old girl self-radicalised in mere weeks through online pro-ISIS content. Authorities stressed the importance of early detection and reporting to prevent these youths from progressing to violence.
AI And Technology: New Terror Enablers
Emerging technologies, particularly AI and 3D printing, pose fresh security challenges. The ISD cited a case where a 17-year-old ISIS supporter used an AI chatbot to generate an oath of allegiance to ISIS. Another far-right extremist used AI to find instructions for ammunition production and considered 3D-printing firearms.
Although no attacks have used such technologies locally, the ISD warns that the threat is evolving. Increased collaboration with tech companies and community groups is critical to countering these risks.
Persistent Threat From ISIS And Al-Qaeda
Globally, ISIS remains resilient, with US$10 million (approx. S$12.9 million) in reserves and thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria. In Southeast Asia, its online propaganda exploits regional grievances to incite violence. Al-Qaeda-linked networks also continue to target nations seen as allies of the West, including Singapore.
Past plots underscore the danger. Indonesian militant Yudi Lukito Kurniawan, arrested in 2024, had planned an attack on the Singapore Exchange as part of Al-Qaeda’s operations.
Far-Right Extremism Gains Ground
Alongside Islamist threats, far-right extremism has surfaced as a pressing concern. Since 2020, four Singaporean youths have been detained for adopting violent ideologies, some inspired by the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings. One 17-year-old identified multiple mosques in Singapore as potential targets.
These cases highlight how extremist content online, coupled with personal grievances, can drive youths toward violent ideologies.
Public Vigilance And Community Action
Despite no intelligence of an imminent attack, Singapore remains an attractive target due to its alliances, multicultural society, and iconic landmarks. ISD emphasizes a whole-of-society approach—public awareness, early reporting, and strong rehabilitation programs are key to safeguarding the nation.
Since 2015, 60 self-radicalised individuals have been issued ISA orders, with the majority making positive progress post-rehabilitation. However, authorities urge citizens to stay alert and participate in SGSecure initiatives to counter the evolving threat.
The ISD’s latest findings reveal that Singapore faces a multifaceted terror risk—spanning Islamist and far-right ideologies, fueled by online influence and advanced technologies like AI. For Indonesians and Singaporeans alike, these developments underscore the need for vigilance, early intervention, and cross-sector cooperation to maintain regional security.
Sources: CNA (2025), , The Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Terror Threat Singapore, ISD Terror Report, Youth Radicalisation, Extremist Ideologies, AI Terrorism
