Use of Internet to counter the appeal of Terrorism

In recent years the world has experienced a tremendous advancement in the technological field. Internet is one of the hi-tech tools which is being used to bring communities together, ensure access to information and empower populations. Unfortunately, at the same time, the wrong doers use this boon as a means to advance their criminal goals, and organize terrorist acts. Spreading an audio or video containing terrorist element is not the only type of terrorism that benefits from the internet. There are other elements for which criminals take resort to the internet for attaining their goals. These include: cyber attacks, fund raising, recruitment, training, secret communication, data mining, propaganda, radicalization etc.



In the face of the phenomenon of terrorism, the Organization of the Islamic Conference has always upheld clear principled stand based on the teachings of the noble Islamic faith which is anchored in peace and tolerance and which considers terrorism, in all forms and manifestation, as one of the most serious crimes and perversions, a crime for which it has set most severe sanctions. Indeed it sets for this abominable crime exceptionally rigorous retributions, so as to preserve the inviolability of human life, and protect the citizens against aggression or terror. Islam also endeavours to combat terrorism at its roots whatever its possible underpinnings, whether political, economic, social or technological.



These stands were evidenced over the past decades through the Organization’s endeavours to mobilise energies and efforts to fight against terrorism. Also the Organization issued in 1994 a Code of Conduct in the fight against terrorist acts, a code to which all Islamic States are committed. The OIC’s efforts in this connection were crowned in July 1999 with the establishment of the Convention on Combating Terrorism which is the only Convention having a definition of terrorism.



Terrorism is a very wide term, so its application is, as there is no internationally agreed definition of ‘terrorism’. Effecting counter terrorism measures and the promotion of human rights should be complementary and mutually reinforcing. It is essential that in the definition of any terrorist offense, criminal liability is limited to clear and precise provisions based upon the principle of legality. Secondly, concerns have been raised as to the legitimacy of broad offences relating to incitement or provocation to terrorist violence, or training for terrorism on the Internet. A third area of concern relates to measures taken by governments to monitor the Internet, as these may necessarily entail the unwarranted capture and retention of private communications data from ordinary citizens, as well as suspected criminals.



The internet is not an unmitigated blessing for the terrorists. This very powerful tool can be used to counter the appeal of terrorism. Since terrorism is a global phenomenon, stand alone approach would not effective to fight the new foe. The issue needs both political and technological approach at the international and regional level. At the global level, the UN Counter Terrorism Implementation Taskforce (CTITF) under the UN Action to Counter Terrorism can play a leading role. In the following areas the United Nations may contribute to counter the appeal of terrorism through internet:



a) Facilitating Member States sharing of best practices.

b) Building a database of research into use of the Internet for terrorist purposes.

c) Through more concerted efforts and work on countering extremist ideologies.

d) Creation of international legal measures aimed at limiting the dissemination of terrorist content on the Internet.



The role of the relevant of actors outside the traditional political sphere in countering terrorism on the Internet can not be ignored. The industry clearly has an important role to play, not just in maintaining the stability of the Internet and providing the means to protect data from would-be attacks, but also to safeguard standards of acceptable content. To this end, the technological experts can come forward with their recommendations so that the use of internet is more secured for peaceful means, not a tool for the terrorists.



There is an enormous role for civil society-both in the form of formal organizations and, as ordinary Internet end-users.



In addition to the leading role of the UN, the regional organizations can share their experience and expertise in combating the cyber crimes through sharing information and expertise.



We in the Organization of the Islamic Conference strongly denounce terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and support the international campaign to combat terrorism and the many committees monitoring all dimensions of terrorism.