comprise members from different countries who discuss ERWT propaganda and promote terrorist activity and rhetoric (such as conducting attacks against Muslims).
72. Many 'real-life' groups are evolving to become more virtual, increasingly using online communications rather than offline meetings among members, and some groups will start and continue entirely in the online world. MI5 is realistic about the challenges this presents:
We are mindful that the implications of this shift are uncertain at present, however any shift from the offline to the online space *** in terms of coverage and ***.[1]
The online challenge is addressed later in the Report.
Incels and Right-Wing Extremists: Shared grievances
73. Jacob Davey at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) highlighted to the Committee the significant overlap between the growing online misogynist communities (sometimes called the 'manosphere') and Right-Wing Extremist ideologies.[2] The manosphere includes the Incel movement—an abbreviation of the term 'Involuntary Celibate'.
74. The Cambridge Dictionary defines Incels as a group of people on the internet who are unable to find sexual partners despite wanting them, and who express hate towards people whom they blame for this. When we asked MI5 about the Incel movement in the UK, it advised:
- Most Involuntary Celibates (Incels) are non-violent or criminal and their activity would not meet MI5 terrorism thresholds ("the use or threat of action, both in and outside of the UK, designed to influence any international government organisation or to intimidate the public. It must also be for the purpose of advancing political, religious, racial, or ideological cause.").[3]
- When Incel activity does meet terrorism thresholds, MI5 recommend that it should be categorised as a type of Single Issue Terrorism (SIT).[4]
75. MI5 pointed to the attack carried out by Elliot Rodger in the US in 2014 as an example of Incel terrorism, since it was aimed at societal change:
For example, in May 2014 Elliot Rodger killed six and injured 14 before killing himself, in a firearm attack at multiple locations in Isla Vista, California. Rodger identified as an Incel, and left a 137-page manifesto detailing not only his vengeful motivations, 'to punish everyone who is sexually active', but also his ideological motivations to bring about his 'second phase' of 'War on Women'. Rodger articulated aspirations for an 'Incel Rebellion' that would bring about a future world where women would be forced to have sex with Incels. Rodger is a classifiable Incel terrorist, targeting men and women in pursuit of societal change. His attack and
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