UN Action to Counter Terrorism

Section II, paragraph 12: “To work with the United Nations with due regard to confidentiality, respecting human rights and in compliance with other obligations under international law, to explore ways and means to:

(a) Coordinate efforts at the international and regional levels to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations on the Internet;

(b) Use the Internet as a tool for countering the spread of terrorism, while recognizing that States may require assistance in this regard.”

Status: The Working Group aims to identify and bring together stakeholders and partners on the issue of abuse of the Internet for terrorist purposes, including through radicalization, recruitment, training, operational planning, fundraising and other means. In conjunction with Member States, the Working Group aims to explore ways in which terrorists use the Internet, quantify the threat that this poses and examine options for addressing it at national, regional and global levels, including what role the United Nations might play, without compromising human rights, fundamental values and the open nature of the Internet itself.

As a first step, the Working Group conducted a mapping exercise of relevant laws, conventions, resources and initiatives. The Working Group has been able to assemble a substantial amount of data on existing measures for countering use of the Internet for terrorist purposes based on responses to a letter of enquiry sent to Member States of the United Nations asking for information on key areas relevant to the remit of the Working Group, interviews and correspondence with key figures in regional and international organizations, Internet regulatory bodies, industry, civil society and academia, as well as from publicly available information.

The Working Group completed the mapping exercise by organizing a stakeholders’ meeting in November 2008, bringing the Working Group together with a select number of policy-makers, cyber-security professionals, industry representatives, terrorism experts, law enforcement and civil society representatives. Participants held a wide-ranging discussion on the nature of the threat represented by use of the Internet for terrorist purposes, and the most appropriate means for dealing with it. This discussion focused on creating common understanding among sectors which may have divergent ideas on countering use of the Internet for terrorist purposes, with the ultimate aim of determining what if any international action might be appropriate.

The Working Group’s final report analyses information provided by Member States and reflects the conclusions of the stakeholders’ event. It provides a picture of the current nature of the threat and records national, regional and international initiatives to counter it. It offers preliminary recommendations for a way forward and examines the potential for a United Nations role.

Working Group on Countering the Use of the Internet for Terrorist Purposes

CTITF Entities: