The key facts

  • In 2026, more than 49,000 internet resources of an extremist and terrorist nature were identified, compared with about 43,000 in 2025 — a 14% increase
  • Uzbekistan ranked 96th in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index (minimal risk category)
  • The first SCO Plus expert dialogue on security issues was held in Samarkand

Growth in the number of detected resources and digital threats

Colonel General Bahodir Qurbonov, Chairman of the State Security Service, said on November 6 in Samarkand at the opening of the first SCO Plus expert dialogue on security issues that in 2026 alone, more than 49,000 internet resources of an extremist and terrorist nature were identified. This is 14% more than the 2025 figure, which he estimated at around 43,000. According to the head of the agency, this trend reflects the growing use of the global network to promote radical narratives (reports Daryo.uz).

What else was said at the dialogue

Qurbonov drew participants' attention to the fact that terrorist and extremist organizations are actively using digital technologies to spread ideology, recruit supporters, finance and prepare terrorist attacks. Among security priorities in the era of digital transformation, he named identifying new forms and methods of terrorist activity in the digital environment and preventing the use of artificial intelligence for terrorist purposes. He also noted that under the National Strategy for Countering Extremism and Terrorism for 2021–2026, mechanisms of interagency and international cooperation have been improved, and in the Global Terrorism Index for 2026, Uzbekistan ranked 96th in the minimal risk category.

The President's address

At the event an address by Shavkat Mirziyoyev was read out to the participants of the dialogue. The President expressed serious concern about the use of digital space by terrorist organizations: in his assessment, internet platforms are becoming a tool for promoting radical ideas, recruitment, fundraising, and forming extremist groups that recognize no state borders. He emphasized the need for information exchange, strengthening national security capacity, and developing coordinated approaches. Dialogue participants will discuss current threats and develop joint measures to strengthen cooperation at the international and regional levels.