Subject Extremist and far-right activities. Significance Extremist far-right groups, fringe networks and militant organisations are actively using the COVID-19 crisis to mobilise support, spread disinformation and conspiracy theories, and incite violence through digital communication channels such as private chatrooms and encrypted messaging apps. Impacts The pandemic will strengthen anti-minority, anti-immigrant and anti-free-movement lobbies in parts of the West. Effective crisis management and clear communication from governments would help build public confidence. Inflammatory or misleading statements by heads of state will deepen socio-political polarisation.