Gus Bilirakis: Terrorists Using Internet for Recruiting

Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis warned on Thursday that the Internet ranks as part of the front lines of the war on terror.

"Terrorist organizations have become increasingly adept at using the Internet and social media to recruit, inspire, and motivate individuals already in the United States to carry out attacks on their behalf," Bilirakis said at a hearing held by the Committee on Homeland Security. "We must combat the use of the Internet and other technology by terrorist organizations to inspire and encourage attacks by those who are already here.

"Some individuals in the U.S. are working to harm us, and we cannot continue to sweep this issue under the rug," Bilirakis added, warning about the terrorist groups using social networks for recruiting younger members. "We have to engage in important dialogue to address a rise in extremism that is harming this country."