Parliamentary panel at IGF discusses ICTs and AI in counterterrorism efforts
A significant focus was placed on balancing security measures with human rights protections, emphasising the need for ethical considerations and robust safeguards.
At the 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, a panel of experts explored how parliaments can harness information and communication technologies (ICTs) and AI to combat terrorism while safeguarding human rights. The session, titled ‘Parliamentary Approaches to ICT and UN SC Resolution 1373,’ emphasised the dual nature of these technologies—as tools for both law enforcement and malicious actors—and highlighted the pivotal role of international collaboration.
Legislation and oversight in a digital era
David Alamos, Chief of the UNOCT programme on Parliamentary Engagement, set the stage by underscoring the responsibility of parliaments to translate international frameworks like UN Security Council Resolution 1373 into national laws. ‘Parliamentarians must allocate budgets and exercise oversight to ensure counterterrorism efforts are both effective and ethical,’ Alamos stated.
Akvile Giniotiene of the UN Office of Counterterrorism echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for robust legal frameworks to empower law enforcement in leveraging new technologies responsibly.
Opportunities and risks in emerging technologies
Panelists examined the dual role of ICTs and AI in counterterrorism. Abdelouahab Yagoubi, a member of Algeria’s National Assembly, highlighted AI’s potential to enhance threat detection and predictive analysis.
At the same time, Jennifer Bramlette from the UN Counterterrorism Committee stressed the importance of digital literacy in fortifying societal resilience. On the other hand, Kamil Aydin and Emanuele Loperfido of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly cautioned against the misuse of these technologies, pointing to risks like deepfakes and cybercrime-as-a-service, enabling terrorist propaganda and disinformation campaigns.
The case for collaboration
The session spotlighted the critical need for international cooperation and public-private partnerships to address the cross-border nature of terrorist threats. Giniotiene called for enhanced coordination mechanisms among nations, while Yagoubi praised the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for fostering knowledge-sharing on AI’s implications.
‘No single entity can tackle this alone,’ Alamos remarked, advocating for UN-led capacity-building initiatives to support member states.
Balancing security with civil liberties
A recurring theme was the necessity of balancing counterterrorism measures with the protection of human rights. Loperfido warned against the overreach of security measures, noting that ethical considerations must guide the development and deployment of AI in law enforcement.
An audience query on the potential misuse of the term ‘terrorism’ further underscored the importance of safeguarding civil liberties within legislative frameworks.
Looking ahead
The panel concluded with actionable recommendations, including updating the UN Parliamentary Handbook on Resolution 1373, investing in digital literacy, and ensuring parliamentarians are well-versed in emerging technologies.
‘Adapting to the rapid pace of technological advancement while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the rule of law is paramount,’ Alamos said, encapsulating the session’s ethos. The discussion underscored the indispensable role of parliaments in shaping a global counterterrorism strategy that is both effective and equitable.