The two-day meeting in India marked the first time since 2015 that the Commission convened outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The discussion will focus on 3 areas: Internet and social media; funding global counterterrorism networks; and the proliferation of unmanned aircraft systems, such as drones.
These emerging technologies are evolving rapidly and are increasingly being used by countries around the world, including for domestic security and counterterrorism purposes.
However, high-tech hardware and software are also increasingly being abused by terrorist groups for their illicit purposes.
Terrorists hijack technology
India is leading the Anti-Terrorism Commission until the end of the year. In an interview with journalists in New York, the Commission’s Chairman, Indian Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, said the highly beneficial meeting would reflect recent developments and the latest evidence-based research on the subject. terrorism and the use of technology.
She said it will bring together “a wealth of practical knowledge and expertise on the subject, with the participation of Member States, relevant operational partners and key stakeholders”.
The meeting will provide a platform to exchange ideas on how the technology sector can help tackle the spread of terrorist content online and effectively combat terrorist narratives.
Furthermore, they are expected to discuss how tech-savvy terrorists are using technological innovations to move money, through crowdfunding, merchandise sales, fundraising, and more. Donate through social media platforms and other methods.
Drones and AI
Another interest to be explored is the potential use of 3-D printing, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, drone systems and synthetic biotechnology, for illegal purposes.
Regarding the increasing use of drones, the Committee’s Coordinator on Information Technology, Jennifer Bramlette, said that Member States have taken several steps to address the issue.
“Of course, there is no no-fly zone around airports and critical infrastructure. Of course, the companies themselves have taken steps to build geoblocking mechanisms so that if drones are detected flying in certain places, they can be automatically disabled.” she added.
She said there’s also “some discussion” going on, about how drones are sold, “and who can buy them.”
There are growing concerns about terrorists abusing information and communication technologies, especially the Internet and new digital technologies.
Final consent
Given the complexity of the whole issue and its rapid development, it is expected that members will work towards a final document that provides an overview of how terrorists are using technology use, with the aim of closing the story and their use of technology.
Member States are also expected to update recent developments and research on threats and share best practices consistent with international human rights law.
Joint measures that can be taken through industrial cooperation, public-private partnership and legislative, policy and regulatory responses, will also be discussed.
About the Committee
The Counterterrorism Committee was established by unanimous consent on September 28, 2001, following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, and all 15 Security Council members sit on it.
The Commission is tasked with overseeing the implementation of measures to strengthen the capacity of countries to combat terrorism in accordance with national laws and institutions, at all levels, locally and internationally.
In interviews with journalists, the Chairman of the Committee reiterated that “any act of terrorism is unjustified, regardless of the motive”.
Ambassador Kamboj said that on that day, one of the meetings will take place at an important iconic venue, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, to pay tribute to the dozens of victims who have been killed by terrorists. damaged there in 2008 during a four-day siege. Dozens more were killed across the city in other coordinated attacks by militants.
The second day will take place in the Indian capital New Delhi.
She added that since the scourge of terrorism is clearly a “transnational” problem, cooperation between Member States is crucial to deliver effective solutions.
