Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

Challenges posed by External states

1. state-sponsored terrorism → funding to non-state actors to fight proxy wars. Eg: Pulwama attack 2020.
2. Bilateral adversaries and military clashes → Eg: growing role of china to influence LWE groups along the Red corridor of India.
3. Ideological terrorism and support by sovereign nations. Eg: Canada's response to khalistani movement against India.
4. domestic unrest → the policy support is influenced by external states → chances of instability and unrest. Eg: LTTE's radicalisation of Tamil youth.

Challenges posed by Non-state Actors

1. Terrorism → JeM, Lashkar-e-toiba, ISIS, Boko Haram, Houthi's etc. → frequent terror attacks against India.
2. Drug Nexus → India wedged between Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle → most drug cartels run by non-state actors.
3. Lack of accountability and hidden warfare → using drones, social media etc. → difficult to identify and combat.
4. Money laundering and black marketing → threatens to de-stabilise the economy.

Measures to combat Multi-dimensional challenges

1. Global concensus and cooperation to eliminate terrorism, terror funding etc. Eg: No money for terror conference (Delhi 2022).
2. Information sharing → Eg: using INTERPOL, mutual legal assistance treaty.
3. Technological sharing by developed countries. Eg; India- USA defence agreements like COMCASA, BECA etc.
4. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Eg: reviving of panchsheel diplomacy.
5. Stronger border security infrastructure and digital preparedness.