Analyzing a Dark Web forum page in the context of terrorism: a topic modeling approach

Abstract

Dark Web has turned into a platform for a variety of criminal activities, including weapon trafficking, pornography, fake documents, drug trafficking, and, most notably terrorism as detailed in this study. This article uses an LDA-based topic modeling approach to identify the topics addressed in discussions on the Dark Web. The main purpose is to present an overview of jihadists’ communication in cyberspace for the detection of unusual behavior or terrorism-related purposes. According to the findings, conversations in the context of recruitment and propaganda predominated at the forum. There was no direct evidence of terrorist collaboration at the conclusion of the investigation. This does not, however, imply that these sites are risk-free. Propaganda and recruitment tools feed the terrorist activities.