The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has not only transformed industries such as music but has also found a disturbing application within extremist movements. These groups are employing AI voice cloning to replicate the voices and speeches of influential figures, thereby amplifying their propaganda efforts. Experts indicate that this trend is contributing to the growth of these movements.

Lucas Webber, a senior threat intelligence analyst at Tech Against Terrorism, notes that the integration of AI-enabled translation tools represents a significant shift in the digital propaganda strategies used by terrorists and extremists. Previously, these groups relied on human translators or basic machine translation, which often fell short in terms of language fidelity and stylistic nuance. The advent of advanced generative AI tools now enables them to produce translations that are contextually accurate and preserve the emotional and ideological intensity of the original content across multiple languages.

In particular, the neo-Nazi far-right has adopted AI voice cloning software extensively. English-language versions of Adolf Hitler's speeches have garnered millions of streams on platforms such as X, Instagram, and TikTok. Research from the Global Network on Extremism and Technology (GNet) reveals that extremist content creators are utilizing voice cloning services like ElevenLabs to process archival speeches from the Third Reich, effectively mimicking Hitler's voice in English.

Moreover, neo-Nazi accelerationists, who advocate for violent actions against Western governments, are leveraging these tools to disseminate updated versions of their violent messaging. For instance, an audiobook adaptation of 'Siege,' a manual by American neo-Nazi James Mason, was recently produced using AI technology. This manual has gained a cult-like status among certain extremist groups, promoting lone-actor violence and being linked to various criminal acts.

In addition to far-right groups, pro-Islamic State media outlets are also employing AI to enhance their propaganda. They are creating text-to-speech renditions of ideological content from official publications, transforming text-based propaganda into engaging multimedia narratives. Jihadist groups have found AI useful for translating extremist teachings from Arabic into multilingual content, facilitating broader outreach.

Historically, figures like Anwar al-Awlaki, an American imam turned al-Qaeda operative, personally voiced recruitment propaganda, highlighting the significance of voice in spreading extremist messages. Current advancements in AI have made it easier for groups to produce high-quality content without the need for individual voiceovers.

Extremist organizations across the ideological spectrum are increasingly utilizing free AI applications, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, to enhance their activities, including the creation of imagery and streamlining planning processes. Counterterrorism authorities have consistently struggled to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements exploited by these groups, which have also begun using cryptocurrencies for anonymous fundraising and sharing files related to 3D-printed firearms.