معرفی
Sean Looney is a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Plymouth, affiliated with the School of Society and Culture. His research focuses on the regulation of online terrorist and violent extremist content, the impact of bulk surveillance on human rights, and the legal frameworks governing digital spaces. He holds a PhD from Swansea University and is a member of the VOX-Pol research network. He previously contributed to the GIFCT Positive Interventions and Strategic Communications Working Group and the GIFCT Legal Frameworks Working Group.
Sean’s academic background includes advanced studies in criminology and law, with a specific emphasis on national security and digital rights. His work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly addressing issues related to peace, justice, and strong institutions.
His research explores the interplay between technology and extremism, examining how algorithms, content moderation policies, and surveillance practices shape extremist content dissemination. Key themes include the ethical implications of bulk surveillance under laws like the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and the role of content delivery networks in suppressing extremist material.
Sean’s publications analyze trends in online extremism, such as radical filter bubbles and the amplification of extremist content via social media algorithms. His work also highlights the transnational flow of white nationalist ephemera between online and offline domains, emphasizing the need for holistic counter-strategies.
He advises on policy development related to online harms and contributes to global initiatives aimed at curbing violent extremism. His interdisciplinary approach bridges criminology, law, and digital media studies, offering critical insights into contemporary security challenges.
