Google Cloud & Al Jazeera Collaborate on A.I. Conference
Google's Embrace of the Terror-Tied Al Jazeera Sets a Troubling Precedent for the Use of A.I. in Media
The Al Jazeera Media Institute, in collaboration with Google Cloud, is set to host its second annual Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference on January 11-12, 2024, in Doha, Qatar. Aiming to explore AI's transformative impact on journalism, media, and technology, this development raises serious concerns for Google Cloud—which is co-organizing the conference—given Al Jazeera's well-documented history of employing terrorists, inciting violence, and using social media bots to spread anti-Israel propaganda and disinformation.
Indisputable Terror Ties
Al Jazeera has a documented history of employing operatives with clear-cut ties to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), both US-designated terror organizations. In October 2024, an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) investigation revealed that six Al Jazeera journalists were active operatives in both Hamas and PIJ. A seventh Gaza-based Al Jazeera journalist—Ismail al-Ghoul—was alleged by Israel to be a member of Hamas’ Nukhba commando unit. These terror ties are not a coincidence—Qatar is, after all, one of Hamas’ chief geopolitical allies and financial backers.
Al Jazeera has also been found to deploy bots to amplify its narratives on social media, enhancing their reach and influence. A December 2024 report by the nonprofit Combat Antisemitism Movement and the Cyabra tech company detailed how the network used automated accounts to spread propaganda while evading U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requirements, in clear violation of the platforms’ policies as well.
Wadah Khanfar, the former Director General of Al Jazeera, has long been linked to Islamist groups like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. He is also allegedly the former Hamas leader in Sudan. During his time at Al Jazeera, Khanfar's leadership reportedly aligned the network with a more Islamist perspective, with many accusing him of fostering ties with terrorist groups. Khanfar has openly expressed support for Hamas’s actions, including the October 7 attack on Israel, and has close associations with figures like Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the former spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, known for endorsing suicide bombings. His involvement in both the conference and Al Jazeera, serves as a stark reminder of how Qatar’s influence, through Al Jazeera, extends to promoting narratives sympathetic to terrorism.
Incitement and Extremist Messaging
In addition to its terror ties and prohibited tactics, Al Jazeera plays a central role in promoting extremist ideologies under the guise of journalism. The Israeli government officially shut down the channel’s operations within its borders in May 2024, citing Al Jazeera’s role as a "terror channel" and a "propaganda arm of Hamas." Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi explicitly noted that Al Jazeera encourages armed struggle against Israel. This is not an isolated view; many critics have pointed to Al Jazeera’s extensive coverage and support for groups such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Hezbollah, and the Taliban. The network has frequently given a platform to leaders of these organizations, broadcasting their propaganda and amplifying their calls for violence.
Furthermore, Al Jazeera's Arabic-language channel has repeatedly glorified notorious figures such as Osama bin Laden, providing a platform for speeches from extremist leaders. It has celebrated acts of terrorism, including hosting a live birthday celebration for Samir Kuntar, a convicted terrorist who brutally murdered an Israeli family. This event, complete with cake and fireworks, exemplified Al Jazeera’s endorsement of violent extremism.
The network’s role in the October 7 Hamas attacks is another glaring example of its alignment with terror. Al Jazeera aired a satirical skit titled "The Orange Dome," an SNL-style skit that mocked Israel's response to the October 7 Hamas attacks. The skit portrayed the "Orange Dome" as a "very expensive and ineffective" defense system, ridiculing Israeli efforts to stop Hamas from massacring 1,200 civilians and taking 250 others as hostages. The skit trivialized the abduction of Israelis by depicting it as a comedic exchange, with dialogue mocking Israel’s intelligence and military response.
Furthermore, Al Jazeera exclusively aired Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif’s declaration of war against Israel, broadcasting it as the attack was underway. This act, coupled with its continuous airing of Hamas threats, footage of hostages, and propaganda aimed at inciting violence, cements its role as an active participant in promoting terrorism.
Google Must Not Legitimize Terror-Tied Entities
In October 2024, Northwestern University severed its institutional ties with Al Jazeera. The decision came after The Coalition Against Anti-Semitism at Northwestern (CAAN) released a report detailing Al-Jazeera’s bias towards Qatari national priorities and interests, including serving as a mouthpiece for Hamas.
Google Cloud must heed this example and ensure their collaborations do not empower organizations like Al Jazeera, which undermines democratic values and promotes terrorist narratives. By co-organizing this conference, Google Cloud risks empowering Al Jazeera with tools that could be misused to manipulate narratives and obscure the truth.