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A Sunday article by the Wall Street Journal brings light to the first known case of an NFT created and shared by by a “terrorist sympathizer”.
This NFT raised concerns that the immutable nature of the blockchain can be used to spread terrorist messages and propaganda.
Raphael Gluck, co-founder of the United States-based research firm Jihadoscope found the NFT in question through pro-ISIS social-media accounts.
The NFT is named IS-NEWS #01. The NFT features Islamic State’s emblem with text praising Afghanistan-based Islamic militants for attacking a Taliban position.
Mario Cosby, a former federal intelligence analyst specializing in blockchain currencies said the developer also created two other NFTs along the same theme, one showing an Islamic State fighter teaching students to make explosives and the other condemning smoking cigarettes.
IS-NEWS #01 and the two other NFTs are currently not available for sale on Rarible or other platforms. However, IS-NEWS #01 is available on a platform called IPFS.
The NFT was also registered on OpenSea, but it was taken down and the poster’s account was closed, according to a spokesperson. She cited “a zero-tolerance policy for listings that incite hate and violence.”
While none of the NFTs have been traded, their very existence is a cause for concern, according to Cosby. He also said that “there’s not really anything anyone can do to actually take this NFT down.”
According to analysts, this NFT could be a sign that terrorist groups may be using the emerging technology to spread their message and test new funding strategies.
Islamic States and other terror groups may also be using blockchain technology to evade sanctions and raise funds for their terrorist campaigns, said intelligence experts.
Read Also: Crypto Risks Involve Money Laundering, Terror Financing: Indian FM
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