"[...] this report serves as an introduction to the use of AI to counter terrorism online for law enforcement and counter-terrorism agencies in the regions of South Asia and South-East Asia. This report is introductory in nature as a result of the limited publicly available information on the degree ... of technological readiness of law enforcement and counter-terrorism agencies in these regions, which is considered likely to be indicative of limited experience with this technology. In this regard, the report provides a broad assessment of different use cases of AI, demonstrating the opportunities of the technology, as well as curbing out the challenges. The report is intended to serve as an initial mapping of AI, contextualizing possible use cases of the technology that could theoretically be deployed in the regions, whilst juxtaposing this with the key challenges that authorities must overcome to ensure the use of AI is responsible and human rights compliant. Give its introductory nature, this report is by no means intended to be an exhaustive overview of the application of AI to counter terrorism online. The report is divided into five chapters. The first chapter provides a general introduction to the context of terrorism, Internet usage in South Asia and South-East Asia and AI. The second chapter introduces and explains some key terms, technologies, and processes relevant for this report from a technical perspective. The third chapter maps applications of AI in the context of countering the terrorist use of the Internet and social media, focusing on six identified use cases, namely: i) Predictive analytics for terrorist activities; ii) Identifying red flags of radicalization; iii) Detecting mis- and disinformation spread by terrorists for strategic purposes; iv) Automated content moderation and takedown; v) Countering terrorist and violent extremist narratives; and vi) Managing heavy data analysis demands. The fourth chapter examines the challenges that law enforcement and counter-terrorism agencies must be prepared to address in their exploration of the technology, in particular specific political and legal challenges, as well as technical issues. The report concludes with the fifth and final chapter, which provides high-level recommendations for law enforcement and counter-terrorism agencies in South Asia and South-East Asia to take onboard to support them to navigate the challenges described in terms of the use of AI to counter terrorism online." (Executive summary, page 7) more

"Data, including information collected by the MERIT project, demonstrates that social media and social messaging are powerful tools in Mali, and have the potential to both positively and negatively impact society, particularly in relation to violent extremism. Malian youth use social media and messa ... ging as a means of communication and information sharing on various topics. According to the youth respondents, confirmed by external information sources, violent extremist groups use the same types of social media both to collect and spread information, as well as to attract attention and support (including financial resources). Social media channels enable violent extremist groups to quickly and cheaply spread their propaganda among young people, who may be a vulnerable target because of their age, socio-economic situation and other contingent vulnerabilities. Because social media platforms are used by both the youth community and violent extremists, social media is a key means to either fuel or reduce violence in the country. It is therefore paramount for all users, from authorities to communities, to be aware of the risks and benefits that modern digital technologies can yield in preventing and countering violent extremism, and to be trained on the best ways to use these channels in a positive manner while preserving their security. The data collected and analysed provide valuable insight for future initiatives in Mali aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism. Further attention should be paid to the key role that youth can play as the main user community and, at the same time, as a potential target of extremist and terrorist groups. In this regard, training efforts should strengthen youth’s media literacy, by focusing on the risks implied in the use of media and by respecting and reflecting the specificities of the local contexts in which the different tools and platforms are used. Innovative approaches should be explored and enhanced in the attempt to develop effective alternatives and counter narratives, based on the fundamentals of media literacy." (Conclusions, page 13) more