ISIS-K and AI: Chatbots, Propaganda, Recruitment

Mason Boycott-Owen writes in his recent Politico piece, ISIS teaching recruits how to use AI “responsibly,” that the Afghanistan branch of ISIS, known as ISIS-K, has started to encourage recruits to use artificial intelligence tools and chatbots as part of their campaigns. The group’s English-language magazine Voice of Khorasan includes guidance on using AI “responsibly,” advising supporters to use chatbots for research and propaganda while avoiding sharing sensitive information that could expose them. UK terrorism legislation reviewer Jonathan Hall warns that AI will lower the barrier to producing sophisticated propaganda and could enable tailored messaging in multiple languages to proliferate AI-driven terrorism. Experts also say the guidance reflects a broader ideological shift, with ISIS-K now actively endorsing AI use after previously expressing skepticism toward emerging technologies.

Researchers can also track the group’s ongoing global activity through the Islamic State Select Worldwide Activity Interactive Map created by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Developed by analyst Aaron Zelin, the tool compiles attacks, propaganda releases, sanctions, and legal cases tied to ISIS and its affiliates across dozens of countries. The project highlights that ISIS remains a transnational organization with active “provinces” and operations spanning regions from Africa to South Asia, underscoring that the group’s influence persists even after the loss of its territorial caliphate. This will be an interesting tool to observe as ISIS-K continues its path toward AI-enabled terrorism.

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