Working Groups

Introduction

This page shares the annual themes and outputs of GIFCT working groups. In July 2020, GIFCT launched a series of working groups to focus on critical themes related to countering terrorism and violent extremism online. Working groups bring together experts from diverse stakeholder groups, geographies and disciplines to offer advice in specific thematic areas and deliver on targeted, substantive projects. Each year working groups are refreshed to update themes and focus areas and to allow new participants to join. Participants work with GIFCT to prepare strategic work plans, outlining objectives, goals, strategies, deliverables, and timelines.

Technical Approaches: Tooling, Algorithms & Artificial Intelligence

From August 2020 to July 2021 the Technical Approaches working group focussed on evaluating existing tooling and technical approaches in countering terrorism and violent extremism online alongside apparent gaps in the availability of technical solutions for smaller tech platforms. The group discussed approaches in supporting the development and adoption of technological solutions to prevent and disrupt the spread of terrorist content online and assessed ethical and human rights concerns associated with various technical approaches. The co-leads of the working group developed an Executive Summary covering key themes from their efforts and Tech Against Terrorism produced an indepth assessment with recomendations for future technical approaches; A Gap Analysis and Recommendations for deploying technical solutions to tackle the terrorist use of the internet.

Transparency: Best Practices & Implementation

From August 2020 to July 2021, the Transparency Working Group focused on reviewing existing resources and frameworks that could facilitate greater transparency from tech companies and wider relevant stakeholders while respecting privacy and human rights. As a result, the group produced a report providing tech companies and related government stakeholders with recommendations and frameworks for pursuing greater transparency in their work. The group also produced recommendations for GIFCT in its own transparency efforts.

Crisis Response & Incident Protocols

From August 2020 to July 2021, the Crisis Response working group collaborated across industry, government, law enforcement and first-responders to strategize and compare ways to best minimize the spread of terrorist or violent extremist content online stemming from offline terrorist and/or mass violent events. The group matured the communication systems between member companies and broader stakeholders during an incident with the development of the Incident Response Directory of all vital points of contact at GIFCT member companies for government authorities during a violent attack. The working group has also produced a report that reviews existing crisis response protocols, debriefing processes following a protocol initiation, and a review of operational and investigative requirements of law enforcement agencies during a protocol-initiating event.

Content-Sharing Algorithms, Processes, and Positive Interventions (CAPPI)

From August 2020 to July 2021, the CAPPI working group provided the space for collaboration across industry, government, and civil society to map content-sharing algorithms and processes in order to identify opportunities for positive interventions as well as risk mitigation, while countering the consumption of specific content that could increase someone’s interest in or otherwise amplify terrorist and violent extremism. As a result, the CAPPI working group has produced two Research Briefs, one focussed on Content-Sharing Algorithms and Processes, which maps the type of algorithmic processes that could be exploited by violent extremists and terrorists. The second briefing looks at Positive Interventions with a range of international case studies.

Legal Frameworks

From August 2020 to July 2021, the Legal Frameworks working group looked at some of the existing legal frameworks in terms of challenges and opportunities for sharing information and data related to the moderation of terrorist and violent extremist content online. This was reviewed through a lens for ensuring privacy, innovation, and empowering all stakeholders (governments, civil society organizations, and tech companies), resulting in a report on the group’s analysis.

Academic and Practical Research

From August 2020 to July 2021, the Academic and Practical Research working group has been exploring innovative, multi-sector research collaborations and developing baseline best practices for conducting, funding, and supporting research that addresses the nexus of technology and violent extremism.  The group produced a paper on Research Needs to Prevent and Respond to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Activity Online as well as a comprehensive white paper on Extremism Research Horizons.