Session Type: Workshop
Title: Preventing Youth from Online Radicalization leading to Violent Extremism
Date & Time: Tuesday, 13 November, 2018 - 15:00 to 16:30
Organizer: UNESCO
Chair/Moderator: Mr. Boyan Radoykov, UNESCO
Rapporteur/Notetaker: Jaco du Toit, UNESCO
List of speakers and their institutional affiliations:
Ms. Chafica Haddad
|
Grenada
|
Immediate past IFAP Chair
|
Female
|
Mr. Marc Hecker
|
France
|
Institut français des relations internationales (IFRI)
|
Male
|
Ms. Lillian Nalwoga
|
Uganda
|
Internet Society (ISOC)
|
Female
|
Mr. Saddem Jebali
|
Tunisia
|
Net MED
|
Male
|
Ms. Divina Frau-Meigs
|
France
|
Universite la Sorbonne
|
Female
|
Theme: Human Rights, Gender & Youth
Subtheme: Internet and Societal Challenges
Key messages of the discussion:
- Studies of cases of terrorists using the internet show that the Internet is used in four ways as a tool for radicalization: as a radical library, as a recruitment platform, as a means of communication and as a tool to plan attacks.
- In order to counter the use of the Internet for radicalization, strategies or policies are to be designed, implemented and monitored addressing the phenomena.These strategies or policies can foresee activities related to gather proof about the issue, engaging in counter-messaging, blocking or deleting content and engaging in media and information literacy.
- Youth initiatives designed by youth for youth, that give young people the tools that allow them to resist manipulation linked to social media and other digital means are to be developed and rolled out.
The discussion
The discussants highlighted the importance of continued conclusive research and sensitization on the issue of online radicalization and the use of the internet. The absence of reliable data, the difficulties in reaching targeted audiences, and terminology used, were highlighted as factors that hamper adequate documentation of its causes and effects on society. While discussants highlighted that some governments implement measures for preventing radicalization leading to violence, more is to be done to develop such strategies and implement these initiatives. Some countries apply regulation in the field of online violent extremism, but discussions were not conclusive if regulation is the most efficient way to deal with the phenomena. Participants and discussants highlighted the importance of involving youth, building on existing best practices and empowering women to deal with online radicalization leading to violent extremism. Media and information literacy initiatives were particularly highlighted as an important sustainable strategy to deal with manipulation linked to social media and other digital means.
Policy recommendations or suggestions regarding the way forward
- Policy makers should define the problem of online violent extremism in a clear way in order to assure online safety and security but also not intrude on basic rights of citizens;
- In designing measures to counter online radicalization leading to violent extremism, young people, civil society and government institutions are to work together in designing, implementing and monitoring sustainable and holistic strategies;
- Policy makers are encouraged to engage in a range of media and information literacy initiatives as a sustainable approach to address online violent extremism.
Ideas with respect to how the IGF ecosystem might make progress
The importance of multistakeholderism was underscored during the session, with specific emphasis of youth participation and the delicate relationship between civil society and governments in some countries.
In addressing the question of online violent extremism it is important not to intrude on the privacy of citizens, while at the safe time assuring a safe online environment. As one panellist remarked, Internet as double-edged sword.
Several policy makers, alongside various stakeholders are engaging in developing approaches to deal with online violent extremism and these best practices can be duplicated in more countries.
Estimate number of participants: 100
Estimate percentage of women present: 50%
Gender issues
While the panel of representatives represented 3 women and 2 men, the importance of constructing a counter narrative against violent extremism targeting women was highlighted as a good practise in addressing gender issues.