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Advances in information and communication technologies (ICT) have dramatically transformed our world, offering unprecedented opportunities for progress in nearly every sector. However, these same technological advancements have also opened the door for terrorists and violent extremist groups to exploit the Internet and social media for a range of harmful activities. These groups use these platforms for incitement, radicalization, recruitment, and training, leveraging encrypted communications and the dark web to share terrorist content, coordinate attacks, procure weapons, and counterfeit documents.
As technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and self-driving cars become more widely available, there is growing concern that these tools could be misused by terrorists to expand the scope and lethality of their attacks. Recognizing the profound impact these new technologies can have on countering terrorism, the United Nations Member States have attached great importance to addressing this challenge in a manner that balances security with the protection of human rights.
In response to these emerging threats, the CT TECH Initiative was launched—a joint effort by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and INTERPOL. This initiative seeks to strengthen the capacities of law enforcement and criminal justice authorities in selected partner countries to prevent the misuse of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes. Additionally, CT TECH supports the use of these technologies to combat terrorism in a manner that adheres to the principles of human rights and rule of law.
About the CT TECH Initiative
Launched on February 10, 2022, the CT TECH Initiative aims to address the growing concerns over the exploitation of new technologies by terrorist groups. The initiative focuses on enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to counter the cybersecurity and technology-related challenges posed by terrorism. It is funded by the European Union and is implemented under the UNCCT Global Counter-Terrorism Programme on Cybersecurity and New Technologies.
To date, the initiative has supported over 1,000 officials from more than 60 Member States, across regions including Southern Europe, the Southern Caucasus, the Middle East and North Africa, East Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America. By addressing the specific needs of these regions, the initiative has contributed to strengthening global efforts to counter terrorist exploitation of emerging technologies.
Planned Results of the CT TECH Initiative
The CT TECH Initiative focuses on the following key outcomes:
- Effective Counter-Terrorism Policy Responses
The initiative seeks to support the development of effective counter-terrorism policies that address the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies. These policies are designed to counter terrorism while fully respecting human rights and the rule of law. By ensuring that security measures do not infringe upon civil liberties, the initiative aims to create a balanced and sustainable approach to counter-terrorism. - Increased Operational Capacity
A core goal is to increase the operational capacity of law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, enabling them to better detect, prevent, and respond to the misuse of emerging technologies by terrorists. This includes enhancing the ability of agencies to use new technologies for counter-terrorism operations while safeguarding fundamental rights. - Leveraging New Technologies for Counter-Terrorism
The initiative also focuses on leveraging new technologies to prevent and counter terrorism. By providing tools and resources, CT TECH helps authorities harness technologies such as AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity solutions in the fight against terrorism, ensuring that these technologies are used in ways that are compatible with human rights principles.
CT TECH Phases
The activities of the CT TECH initiative are divided into five phases:
- Inception Phase
The initial phase involves engaging with 35 Partner States to understand their specific needs and challenges related to countering the use of emerging technologies by terrorists. - Knowledge Development Phase
In this phase, the initiative focuses on developing knowledge products and guidance materials that help Member States build their capacities to address these evolving threats. - Awareness Raising and Capacity Building
CT TECH works to raise awareness of the risks posed by emerging technologies and supports the development of national counter-terrorism strategies and law enforcement capabilities in the digital domain. - Training and Operational Support
Tailored training programs are provided to help officials better understand and use emerging technologies to counter terrorism. Analytical and operational support is also offered to strengthen the implementation of counter-terrorism measures. - Closing Phase
The final phase assesses the impact of the initiative, ensuring that the activities have led to measurable improvements in the capabilities of participating Member States.
Technologies Developed Under the CT TECH Initiative
The CT TECH initiative has been instrumental in developing and promoting several innovative technologies and knowledge products designed to enhance counter-terrorism efforts while addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies. These advancements aim to support law enforcement and counter-terrorism agencies in their efforts to combat the exploitation of new technologies by terrorist groups. Below are some of the key technologies and tools developed under the initiative:
- Terrorist Threat Assessment Framework
The Terrorist Threat Assessment Framework is a tool designed to help law enforcement agencies and policymakers assess the evolving threats posed by terrorists using new technologies. The framework incorporates data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify potential threats by monitoring patterns in online behavior, encrypted communications, and dark web activity. It assists in the prioritization of threats and the development of proactive policies to counter them. - National Counter-Terrorism Policy Design Guidelines
This set of guidelines helps governments design effective counter-terrorism policies focused on new technologies. It incorporates best practices and case studies from various regions, providing actionable recommendations for incorporating the use of technology in counter-terrorism responses. The guidelines also include legal and ethical considerations, ensuring that human rights and gender equality are embedded in national counter-terrorism frameworks. - Law Enforcement Capabilities Framework
The Law Enforcement Capabilities Framework provides a comprehensive model for assessing the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in utilizing emerging technologies for counter-terrorism purposes. It focuses on enhancing the use of cybersecurity tools, data analytics, and AI for tracking and disrupting terrorist activities. This framework also highlights gaps in legal, policy, and institutional pillars and proposes targeted solutions for strengthening national law enforcement agencies’ capacity to respond to technological threats. - Human Rights and Gender Equality Monitoring Tools
Recognizing the critical importance of maintaining human rights and promoting gender equality, CT TECH has developed tools to monitor and evaluate how these values are integrated into counter-terrorism efforts. These monitoring tools enable governments and organizations to assess how new technologies used in counter-terrorism operations impact the digital rights of citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and human rights defenders. The tools also help ensure that technologies are implemented with a focus on gender-sensitive approaches, promoting equal participation and protection across all demographics. - Cybersecurity and Encryption Protocols
To counter the increasing use of encrypted communications by terrorists, the CT TECH initiative has facilitated the development of advanced cybersecurity protocols designed to track, monitor, and prevent the misuse of encryption for terrorist purposes. These protocols incorporate blockchain and AI-powered technologies to enhance data tracking and identify terrorist activities in real-time, while balancing the need for privacy and security. - AI-driven Incident Response Systems
As terrorist activities become more sophisticated and technologically advanced, AI-powered incident response systems are critical for swift detection and mitigation. The CT TECH initiative has contributed to the development of AI-driven response tools that can automatically detect suspicious behavior, monitor online platforms, and analyze patterns in real-time to trigger immediate actions by law enforcement agencies. These systems enhance situational awareness and improve the speed and effectiveness of counter-terrorism interventions. - Cross-border Intelligence Sharing Platforms
To counter the transnational nature of modern terrorism, the CT TECH initiative has developed intelligence-sharing platforms that allow cross-border cooperation between member states. These platforms use secure communication channels, machine learning, and data analytics to share critical intelligence about terrorist activities, digital threats, and emerging technologies. The systems promote timely collaboration between different nations’ law enforcement and intelligence agencies, facilitating a more coordinated global response to terrorism.
These technologies, developed under the CT TECH initiative, represent a collective effort to equip governments and law enforcement agencies with the tools and knowledge needed to tackle the challenges posed by emerging technologies in countering terrorism. By combining cutting-edge innovations with a strong focus on human rights and gender equality, CT TECH is helping to create a safer, more equitable digital space while combating terrorism in the 21st century.
National workshops for the Philippines and Uzbekistan to strengthen national counter-terrorism policy
From 26 February to 7 March 2024, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), under its CT TECH initiative, convened national workshops in the Philippines and Uzbekistan. These workshops aimed to strengthen national counter-terrorism policies and operational responses against the misuse of new technologies by terrorist groups, while simultaneously safeguarding human rights.
Government officials from a wide range of sectors, including judiciary, law enforcement, intelligence, security institutions, cybersecurity, and academia, attended the workshops in Manila and Tashkent.
The workshops focused on three key knowledge products developed during the first phase of the CT TECH initiative. Participants engaged in exercises designed to measure and enhance the effectiveness of counter-terrorism policy responses in addressing emerging threats, while emphasizing the integration of human rights and gender equality considerations. The exercises were based on the “Conducting Terrorist Threat Assessment” framework, which allowed participants to assess and prioritize terrorist threats and determine appropriate policy responses.
Additionally, the workshops featured discussions on the “Designing National Counter-Terrorism Policy Responses” guidelines, which helped participants explore the strategic use of new technologies in countering terrorism. A key component of these sessions was the Law Enforcement Capabilities Framework, through which participants identified gaps in their respective law enforcement capabilities to counter terrorism using emerging technologies. The discussions also examined these gaps through the lens of human rights and gender equality, ensuring that the implementation of new technologies in counter-terrorism efforts does not compromise fundamental freedoms.
In June 2024, follow-up workshops will be held in the Philippines and Uzbekistan to review the progress made in threat assessment and the development of counter-terrorism policies. These workshops will also present the Law Enforcement Capability Self-Assessment Report, which will include key findings and recommendations that have been collaboratively developed with participants.
During the workshop in Manila, Attorney Serme Ayuyao, Director for Legal Affairs, International Affairs and Special Concerns, and Chief of Staff of the Anti-Terrorism Council – Programme Management Center, emphasized the significance of the CT TECH initiative in fortifying national counter-terrorism strategies. He remarked, “As we navigate the complexities of countering terrorism, particularly in the realm of new technologies, the CT TECH initiative becomes indispensable in fortifying our national counter-terrorism policies and operational responses.” He also highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, noting that the workshop provided a unique opportunity for designated agencies to engage in brainstorming exercises and enhance cooperation in tackling evolving threats.
These workshops are part of a broader effort to ensure that nations are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and frameworks needed to effectively counter the evolving landscape of terrorism while upholding human rights and promoting gender equality.
Human Rights and Gender Mainstreaming
One of the most critical elements of the CT TECH initiative is its commitment to human rights and gender equality. These principles are integrated across all phases of the project, ensuring that efforts to counter terrorism do not inadvertently undermine fundamental rights.
Every outcome of the CT TECH initiative is accompanied by a compliance monitoring plan to measure the effectiveness of human rights and gender mainstreaming. All capacity-building activities include human rights-focused training, ensuring that law enforcement officials are equipped to apply human rights principles in digital spaces, such as the use of surveillance technologies and data collection in counter-terrorism efforts.
Furthermore, the initiative actively contributes to gender equality by addressing the specific needs of women in counter-terrorism contexts. This includes empowering women and ensuring their active participation in the development and implementation of counter-terrorism policies. The initiative also aims to protect vulnerable groups, such as human rights defenders and civil society organizations, who play a crucial role in maintaining democratic values while combating extremism.
Looking Ahead
As technology continues to evolve, so too will the challenges in countering terrorism. The CT TECH Initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to this issue, providing the tools and support needed to address both current and future risks. By focusing on human rights and gender equality, the initiative ensures that counter-terrorism efforts are not only effective but also just and sustainable. In a rapidly changing technological landscape, CT TECH stands as a key example of global cooperation in the fight against terrorism—balancing security with respect for fundamental freedoms.
The initiative’s ongoing success will be critical in shaping the future of counter-terrorism strategies worldwide, ensuring that emerging technologies are used responsibly to protect global security while safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
