Bahodir Kurbanov: More than 49,000 terrorism- and extremism-related online resources identified in 2026

The first SCO Plus Expert Dialogue on Security Issues is being held in Samarkand. Participants are discussing efforts to counter terrorism and extremism, threats in the digital space, and ways to prevent the use of artificial intelligence for terrorist purposes.

On November 6, the first SCO Plus Expert Dialogue on Security Issues commenced in Samarkand.

The event was opened by Bahodir Kurbanov, Chairman of Uzbekistan’s State Security Service (SSS) and Colonel General.

In his address, the SSS chief noted that terrorist and extremist organizations are increasingly using digital technologies to promote their ideology, recruit new supporters, finance terrorist activities, and carry out attacks.

“In 2026 alone, more than 49,000 internet resources of an extremist and terrorist nature were identified, representing a 14 percent increase compared to the 2025 figure (approximately 43,000). This trend clearly demonstrates the growing scale of the use of the global network to promote radical ideas,” Bahodir Kurbanov stated.

The SSS Chairman also noted that mechanisms for interagency and international cooperation had been improved under the National Strategy for Countering Extremism and Terrorism for 2021–2026.

According to him, these efforts are also reflected in international rankings. In particular, Uzbekistan ranked 96th in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, placing it among countries with a minimal level of terrorist threat.

The address also focused on priority areas for ensuring security amid digital transformation. These include identifying new forms and methods of terrorist activity in cyberspace and preventing the use of artificial intelligence technologies for terrorist purposes.

Bahodir Kurbanov emphasized that the SCO Plus Expert Dialogue plays an important role in joint efforts to counter contemporary security threats.

During the event, participants are expected to discuss pressing challenges to international and regional security and develop joint measures aimed at strengthening cooperation.