Pakistan-based terror groups, ISI exploit porn sites and encrypted apps to recruit in J&K

Indian security agencies have uncovered a new digital tactic allegedly being used by Pakistan-based terror groups and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to communicate with potential recruits in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to officials quoted by PTI, terror handlers are increasingly moving away from mainstream platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Signal and turning to niche encrypted applications, gaming platforms and chat tools embedded in pornography websites.

Officials said these platforms provide alternative channels for covert communication because their features can make it harder for investigators to identify users or trace conversations. Some pornography websites and applications reportedly offer real-time chat functions designed for users seeking dates nearby. Terror handlers are allegedly exploiting these features to contact individuals, exchange information and coordinate recruitment efforts.

The shift follows previous investigations into the misuse of online gaming platforms by terror networks. Security agencies are now examining a wider range of digital services that can be used to establish contact while avoiding conventional social-media monitoring.

Tor-based apps under scrutiny

Investigators are also monitoring Tor-based messaging applications, including Coatex and Conion, which can route communications through multiple encrypted nodes and make it difficult to determine the identity and location of users.

Tor, or The Onion Router, is a legitimate privacy technology used around the world for anonymous communication and to bypass censorship. However, officials believe its anonymity features can also be exploited by clandestine networks.

The Conion application reportedly faces restrictions on access to its APK in India. APKs are installation files used by Android devices to distribute applications.

Agencies are additionally examining privacy-focused messaging services, including a France-based application that reportedly provides end-to-end encrypted communication without requiring a SIM card or phone number. Such features can make linking an account to a specific individual more difficult.

Vietnam-based applications and anonymous platforms such as Moonchat are also reportedly being monitored. According to the PTI report, some versions of Moonchat use PGP encryption and allow users to connect without conventional registration.

Security experts say encrypted networks create significant investigative challenges because traffic can be routed through multiple relay nodes across different countries.

The latest findings highlight how terror networks are continually adapting their digital methods, exploiting seemingly unrelated online services to evade detection and establish contact with vulnerable recruits.