15 people arrested in the Netherlands for 'inciting terrorism' on TikTok
Fifteen individuals were arrested in the Netherlands for allegedly inciting terrorism by disseminating Islamic State propaganda on TikTok.
The Dutch prosecution announced on February 10 that fifteen individuals were arrested on charges of 'inciting terrorism' by distributing propaganda for the Islamic State (IS) on TikTok. This investigation, which began in August 2025, was triggered when police in The Hague discovered a TikTok account that was spreading 'ISIS propaganda subtitled in Dutch.' The content included calls to join the fight and glorify martyrdom, reflecting the ongoing threat of violent extremism through social media platforms.
The prosecution's statement highlighted that the posts associated with this account attracted attention from numerous other accounts involved in editing and disseminating the Islamic State's propaganda, with some receiving over 100,000 views. The authorities emphasized the concern over how such content can easily propagate among young audiences on popular platforms like TikTok, presenting challenges in countering radical narratives online. The swift crackdown underscores the government's commitment to combatting terrorism in various forms, especially when it manifests through modern communication channels.
Among those arrested, four are minors, which raises additional questions regarding the involvement of youth in extremist activities and the influence of social media on their perceptions. The fact that thirteen of the arrested suspects are under investigation brings to light the urgency for preventative measures and education initiatives aimed at young people to mitigate the risks associated with online radicalization. This case further illustrates the increasing scrutiny on social media and its role in facilitating the spread of extremist ideologies.