Online Radicalization and Violent Extremism Homeland Security and Islamic advocacy group officials talked about “online radicalization.” The term refers to the opportunity the Internet provides violent extremists to appeal online to individuals or groups who are vulnerable or sympathetic to their message. The Boston Marathon bombings and the May 22 murder of a British soldier were referenced multiple times throughout the discussion. Peter Neumann in his remarks said the web had changed the way people, especially in the West, embraced violent extremism, and that the “lone-wolf phenomenon” and online radicalization were therefore linked. Following their discussion, panelists answered questions from the audience. close