Anti-government Movements: an Emerging Threat for Companies

Retaliation against lockdowns, mask mandates, travel and work restrictions and vaccination requirements, fuelled an increase in anti-government sentiments and protests across many countries during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Driven by anger and often misinformation, these individuals gained global popularity and now pose additional risk to organisations and the community.

The pandemic also saw an exponential increase in the use of technology platforms. The increased online presence enabled broader access to and distribution of ideologically motivated content and the ability to connect like-minded individuals and groups. They are united by nationalism, racism, violent opposition to ‘alien’ immigration and disdain for democracy.  While potentially triggered by the pandemic, these beliefs have evolved more broadly and across a wider spectrum of society.  

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) defines ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE) as ‘the support for violence to achieve political outcomes relating to ideologies, including but not limited to, white supremacism and Neo-Nazism'.

Australian Security agencies report that 'Ideologically motivated violent extremism and particularly nationalist and racist violent extremism, remains a threat to Australian security and its adherents will continue to engage in offensive behaviours'.

Australia has witnessed the emergence of several groups that combine online capabilities with intimidating street activity including: the Australian National Socialist Network (NSN), Reclaim Australia, Rise Up Australia, the Australian Defence League, the United Patriots Front, True Blue Crew and Antipodean Resistance, and self-proclaimed Sovereign citizens.

More and more organisations are being confronted by individuals within the workplace, conferences, and forums, who may be opposed to previously accepted work practices, codes of conduct, policies, and procedures.

The recently published Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community describes Nazi and other racial extremists as 'the most lethal threat' facing the US today. Intelligence services warn that homegrown violent extremism is rapidly rising, with active recruitment of ex-military and armed service personnel, with the intention to attack and harm minority groups and government institutions.

Australian organisations should look to this as clear warning and take steps to mitigate the potential impacts of this emerging threat. Now is the time to work through potential areas of vulnerability and review potential legal liabilities which may impact the safety of people, your reputation or operational capability.

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