The radicalisation of children through social media, gaming platforms, and encrypted messaging networks has been identified as a significant national security concern in Australia, prompting calls for a parliamentary inquiry. As the federal parliament reconvenes, Victorian Labor senator Ralf Ciccone, chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security (PJCIS), is advocating for an investigation into how technology may be facilitating the spread of extremist content, politically motivated violence, and terrorism.
Senator Ciccone described online platforms as playing a critical role in exposing young people to extremist ideologies, calling this “one of the most pressing national security questions” facing the country. Highlighting the ubiquity of digital engagement among children—nearly 90% participate in online gaming—he emphasized the need to better understand how activities such as gaming, online chatting, or video streaming could serve as gateways to radicalisation or grooming.
The proposed inquiry aims to examine the specific contribution of gaming and gaming-related platforms to radicalisation processes, alongside the impact of social media and algorithm-driven content recommendations that may amplify exposure to extremist material. It will also investigate the responsibilities of digital companies, gaming firms, and messaging service providers in detecting and responding to such content. In addition, the committee intends to review how foreign governments are addressing the rapid increase in online radicalisation, which has emerged as a global security challenge.
Evidence will be sought from a range of stakeholders, including representatives from digital and gaming industries, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement. Authorities have flagged an escalating risk that minors are encountering and adopting extremist messages online at an alarming rate.
In May, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett warned that young Australians were being radicalised “at unprecedented speed” through various online outlets, including encrypted networks. Similarly, Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), highlighted in his 2026 Annual Threat Assessment that children and teenagers are increasingly targeted by extremist recruiters and may internalize dangerous ideologies within weeks. Burgess also noted that encrypted chat rooms continue to serve as gathering points for vulnerable youth exposed to extremist narratives.
The inquiry led by Senator Ciccone seeks to address what is seen as a critical blind spot in national security efforts, aiming to bolster Australia’s capacity to safeguard its younger population from digital pathways to radicalisation.