Bakhodir Kurbanov emphasized at the SCO Plus expert dialogue that the scope of using digital technologies for terrorist purposes is growing.
On November 6, 2026, the first SCO Plus expert dialogue on security issues is taking place in the city of Samarkand.
The event was opened with an introductory speech by the Chairman of the State Security Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Colonel-General Bakhodir Kurbanov.
In his speech, he drew attention to the fact that terrorist and extremist organizations are actively using digital technologies to spread their ideology, recruit followers, finance, prepare, and carry out terrorist acts.
«In 2026 alone, more than 49 thousand internet resources with extremist and terrorist characteristics were identified, which is 14 percent more compared to the 2025 indicator (about 43 thousand). Such a trend clearly shows that the scope of using the global network to promote radical ideas is increasing», — said the Chairman of the SIS.
Bakhodir Kurbanov emphasized that within the framework of the implementation of the National Strategy for Combating Extremism and Terrorism for 2021–2026, interagency and international cooperation mechanisms have been improved.
According to him, the work being carried out by Uzbekistan is also reflected in international ratings. In particular, Uzbekistan's occupation of the 96th place in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index and its inclusion in the minimal risk category demonstrated the effectiveness of the national approach to combating terrorism.
The Chairman of the SIS also touched upon the priority directions for ensuring security in the era of digital transformation. Among them, issues of identifying new forms and methods of terrorist activities in the digital environment, as well as preventing the use of artificial intelligence for terrorist purposes, were noted.
At the end of the speech, it was emphasized that holding this dialogue is extremely relevant and necessary. Within the framework of the event, participants are expected to discuss existing threats and risks to security and develop single measures aimed at strengthening international and regional cooperation.
