Colombia’s armed groups recruit children and train them in drone warfare, rights group says

Colombian armed groups are recruiting children and training them in drone warfare. The recruitment drive is reportedly facilitated by social media platforms, with algorithms on Facebook and TikTok promoting content from these groups. The Human Rights Watch report, “I Thought I’d Never See My Mom Again,” details the recruitment and use of children by these armed groups.

The recruitment drive is reportedly facilitated by social media platforms, with algorithms on Facebook and TikTok promoting content from these groups. The Human Rights Watch report, “I Thought I’d Never See My Mom Again,” details the recruitment and use of children by these armed groups. The report also mentions that these groups are gamifying drone warfare to make it more appealing to young recruits.

The Associated Press and SOFX also covered the story, focusing on the use of drones in training. The extent of the recruitment and the specific methods used by these groups are not fully detailed in the coverage. The role of social media platforms in facilitating this recruitment is a key area of focus, with Human Rights Watch and Courthouse News both emphasizing the impact of algorithms on Facebook and TikTok.