24 July 2026 | 12:06 CAT
2-minute read

Image source: 7amleh

A new report released by the Arab Centre for the Advancement of Social Media (7amleh) warns that TikTok has become a powerful tool for organised crime groups operating within Palestinian society in Israel, allowing them to recruit members, project influence and normalise violence among young audiences.

The report, Algorithms of Violence, was authored by independent communication studies researcher Afnan Kana’ana and examines how social media algorithms can amplify criminal content and reinforce organised crime.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Kana’ana said organised crime has expanded significantly in recent years, with the Palestinian community in Israel experiencing persistently high levels of violent crime. The study notes that TikTok is no longer simply a platform where violence is documented, but one increasingly used by criminal groups to broaden their operations. Research cited by the report found that criminal organisations use the platform to showcase weapons, luxury vehicles and wealth, issue threats, attract recruits and communicate with audiences.

“They rely heavily on TikTok in order to expand their criminal activity,” Kana’ana said.

She explained that organised crime groups exploit the platform in several ways, including identifying potential blackmail victims, recruiting individuals to steal vehicles, facilitating money laundering and promoting criminal identities online. According to the report, TikTok’s recommendation algorithms, which prioritise highly engaging content, can contribute to the wider circulation of violent and intimidating material among young users.

The report also shows that the platform is used to cultivate fear and prestige rather than merely publicise criminal acts. Kana’ana explained that displaying firearms, money and symbols of power helps crime syndicates build recognisable brands that strengthen their influence within communities.

“They need them to feel fear inside of them.”

Kana’ana said that this manufactured image of power may appeal to some young people, particularly those facing social and political marginalisation. The study cautions that repeated exposure to such content can contribute to the normalisation of organised crime by presenting criminal lifestyles as symbols of status, influence and respect.

The report also raises concerns about law enforcement’s response. It is observed that Israeli authorities have not devoted the same attention to criminal content targeting Palestinian communities as they have to monitoring political expression online. She argued that publicly available evidence of criminal activity shared on TikTok has often gone unaddressed, despite the availability of digital material that could assist investigations.

“They choose to neglect us in purpose because it’s a way for them in order to keep Palestinian society kill each other instead of them making an effort to killing us.”

The report comes amid continuing concern over violent crime against Palestinians. Various monitoring groups have documented a sharp rise in homicides over recent years, with Palestinians accounting for a disproportionate share of murder victims despite comprising roughly one-fifth of Israel’s population. Civil society organisations have repeatedly called for stronger law enforcement and more effective measures to curb organised crime.

Listen to the full interview with Afnan Kana’ana on Sabaahul Muslim, presented by Moulana Junaid Kharsany.