A content analaysis on websites of terrorist organizations against Turkey within the context of cyber terrorism

ABSRACTA CONTENT ANALYSIS ON WEBSITES OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONSAGAINST TURKEY WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF CYBER TERRORISMTezcan ÖZKANDepartment of JournalismAnadolu University Graduate School of Social Sciences, August 2006Advisor: Professor Doctor Halil brahim GÜRCANThis study explores the ways in which the Internet is utilized by terroristorganizations through analyzing the websites of such organizations that are activeagainst Turkey. The exploration of terrorist individuals and groups as internet usersis critical for determining potential implications of the use of the Internet for criminalpurposes.Within the definition of cyber terrorism as a global issue, the study analyses 25official and unofficial websites belonging to 12 terrorist organizations active in Turkey.Content analysis on these websites has been conducted against basic, visual andcontent focused criterion.The study concludes that the factors that differentiate and make the Internetsuperior to other communication tools, makes its use easier as a simple but effectivepropaganda mechanism by terrorist organizations and their supporters. It alsoreinforces the general perception that the Internet is currently viewed as an attractivecommunication tool. However, the results of the study outline that the uncontrolleduse of Internet by ill-meaning individuals and criminal groups could cause toproblems.