Social media center set up to counter IS message

The US and United Arab Emeriates launched a new Middle East digital communications center on Wednesday that focuses on using social media to counter Islamic State's propaganda efforts online.

IS supporters have deftly harnessed social media to spread the group's slick Hollywood-style film clips and other messages aimed at recruiting and drawing support from young, plugged-in Muslims.

The Obama administration has urged friendly Arab states to do more to combat the media blitz, characterizing the fight on the communications front as a key pillar in the effort to defeat IS.