In a recent blog post, the VIGILANT project explored the dual uses of AI as a tool for spreading malcontent as well as a tool to counter such content.The latest publication from Tech Against Terrorism Europe examines the dual role of AI, investigating its contribution to both the spread and prevention of online terrorism.
VIGILANT is 3-year and €4m project aiming to equip European Police Authorities with advanced technologies from academia to detect and analyse disinformation campaigns that lead to criminal activities. The VIGILANT project brings together 17 leading European partners from academia, industry, government research centres, and four Police Authorities in an interdisciplinary consortium to combat this threat to societal cohesion and democracy.
According to the post, terrorist organisations have found the internet to be an ideal platform for disseminating extremist materials, radicalising individuals, and recruiting members. The scale of this problem is underscored by Tech Against Terrorism’s research, which uncovered terrorist content on 187 different online platforms between November 2020 and January 2023. Notable efforts by major platforms such as Facebook, which removed over 56 million pieces of terrorist propaganda in 2022, and YouTube, which deleted 275,261 violence-promoting videos during the same period, highlight the significant challenge posed by online terrorism.
While automated tools have been effective in identifying and removing a large portion of this content, technology alone cannot fully address the underlying issues. To tackle this complex situation and harness AI for countering terrorist online content, it is crucial to explore comprehensive strategies. For further insights, refer to the complete report by Tech Against Terrorism Europe and stay informed about the initiatives of the VIGILANT project.
Read more on their website here.
