Delhi Declaration Underscores Need for Public-Private Partnerships to Tackle Online Terrorism

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Tech Against Terrorism was recognised in the Delhi Declaration issued by the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee on 29 October 2022.

The document was the culmination of a two-day meeting to take firmer and more coordinated action to counter the terrorist exploitation of information and communications technologies (ICT).

To prevent and combat digital forms of terrorism, the Delhi Declaration encouraged the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (UN CTED) to build on ‘strategic and voluntary public-private partnerships’ and called on Member States to continue voluntary cooperation with the private sector and civil society.

Adopted unanimously by all 15 members of the UN Security Council, the Declaration recognised the work of Tech Against Terrorism, commending the organisation’s efforts to ‘foster collaboration with representatives of the technology industry, including smaller technology companies, civil society, academia, and Government', to disrupt the ‘ability to use the Internet in furtherance of terrorist purposes, while also respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.’

Since it was launched as an initiative of UN CTED in 2017, Tech Against Terrorism has worked in partnership with technology companies and policymakers to signpost and take down terrorist content and drive best practice in content moderation.

Attending the UN meeting in Delhi, Adam Hadley, Executive Director of Tech Against Terrorism said: “We are committed to bridging the divide between government and the technology sector who host big and small platforms. Our work is underpinned by a rigorous methodology and approach and rooted in the rule of law and commitment to human rights.”

The recognition of Tech Against Terrorism was first made in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 2354 (2017), which called on the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee ‘to identify and compile existing good practices in countering terrorist narratives’ and emphasising ‘the need for Member States to develop counter-terrorist narratives and innovative technological solutions, all while respecting international law’.

The meeting was hosted by the Government of India and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee and was also attended by of a range of civil society and private sector partners.

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