On June 9, 2016, an anonymous American Muslim producer released the first in his “The State Of Doom” video series, created to thwart ISIS’s social media recruiting efforts. The series speaks directly to the same audience the terror group is targeting – Muslim teenagers and young adults in Western countries – using the same primary video platform – YouTube.
In the days since, his YouTube channel has been shut down three times: first by Google/YouTube which mistakenly thought his message was pro-ISIS; and then two more times by ISIS hackers operating from within the occupied city of Mosul. The associated Google/Gmail account was also compromised by ISIS cyber attacks.
Google Was First To Shut Down Channel
YouTube/Google mistakenly shut down the “State Of Doom” YouTube channel because an online editor initially thought it was created to promote ISIS and its recruiting efforts. Both the channel and its associated Google/Gmail account were reinstated in less than five hours after Google was contacted by high-ranking Federal law enforcement and Homeland Security officials and assured that the channel’s message and its owner were entirely anti-terror.
“The Intended Effect”
“Apparently our efforts are having the intended effect,” said the producer, who wishes to remain anonymous to protect his safety. “We are reaching hundreds of young Muslim viewers across the U.S. and Europe as well as in progressive Muslim communities in Turkey, India, Indonesia and elsewhere.”
The multiple attempts made to shutter the video channel also indicate that this is a message ISIS does not wish to have communicated to this audience. “It is clear that people within the terror group are not pleased with what we are saying,” stated the producer.
ISIS’ recruiting methods using social media channels have been widely reported upon and their effectiveness has been recognized by numerous government agencies and NGOs. It is estimated that more than 20,000 foreign fighters – including more than 150 Americans – have been successfully recruited so far with hundreds more being drawn in every month.
Stopping Another Orlando
Following the recent massacre of 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, it was reported that the assailant, Omar Mateen, the American-born son of Muslim Afghan parents, was a frequent online viewer ISIS video propaganda. It is just these types of results that the anonymous producer is striving to prevent.
“As an American my goal is to protect my homeland and the kids living in the Western world. If I can prevent one child from joining ISIS I will have succeeded.”
What’s Next
The first episode in the series, “The Thief Of Baghdad,” which was released in early June, describes the circumstances which allowed for the rise of ISIS and uncovers the motivation behind its leader’s decision to gain control of a large land mass and begin recruiting Western “soldiers” online.
The second video in the series, “The Thief Of Baghdad: Episode II,” is slated for an early July 2016 release.
For Further Information
While the producer wishes to remain anonymous he is available for interviews – provided that his identity and likeness are concealed. Interview requests should be sent via email at this link or through the press contact information below.
The State Of Doom, Episode 1: The Thief of Baghdad
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKbA0Ml8zeQ
On Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/169896673
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-State-of-Doom-507319399469585/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheStateofDoom/status/740675027637395462