RIYAD, 18 December 2024 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly was represented today at a counter-terrorism event in Riyad by Kamil Aydin and Emanuele Loperfido, Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, of the PA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism (CCT).
The event, which was co-organized by the OSCE PA and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, was held on the margins of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and focused on parliamentary approaches to the use of information and communication technologies in counter-terrorism in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 1373. It explored the global legal framework for counter-terrorism and the crucial role of national parliaments in translating international commitments into effective policies, legislation, and oversight mechanisms.
The IGF is a global multistakeholder platform held under United Nations auspices that facilitates the discussion of public policy issues pertaining to the Internet.
Joining virtually, Chair Aydin welcomed the increased focus on the role of parliamentarism in the fight against terrorism. “Parliamentarians play a critical role in preventing and countering terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization that leads to terrorism,” he said. “We act as enablers, shaping national legislation and establishing the mandate of counter-terrorism bodies. We serve as controllers, ensuring that all counter-terrorism measures respect fundamental freedoms. And we bridge diverging views at all levels, facilitating constructive exchanges and ensuring citizens’ participation in state affairs.”
The CCT Chair also noted that the multifaceted nexus between artificial intelligence and countering terrorism has been high on the agenda of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly for some time, pointing in particular to the adoption of a Resolution on AI and the Fight Against Terrorism at last summer’s Annual Session in Bucharest.
Vice-Chair of the CCT Emanuele Loperfido (Italy) addressing the 2024 Internet Governance Forum, 18 December 2024“This resolution recognizes the significant threat to international security posed by the misuse of AI by terrorists and violent extremists, and, at the same time, acknowledges the opportunity that lies in the ethical application of AI in countering terrorism,” Aydin said.
Vice-Chair Loperfido, who contributed in-person, emphasized the need for comprehensive policies to address both the opportunities and risks of AI technologies, with education and digital literacy playing a central role. He highlighted the resolution’s focus on strengthening legal frameworks and public-private partnerships, ethical standards, and human oversight.
“Digital literacy initiatives and public awareness campaigns are essential tools in helping societies recognize and resist disinformation and manipulation,” Loperfido said. “By investing in education, we not only empower our youth to critically engage with information, but also bolster our collective resilience against radicalization and extremist ideologies. This remains a key focus of our work at the OSCE PA.”
He concluded with a call across all sectors to ensure AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly. “With forward-looking and flexible regulatory frameworks, AI’s potential can be harnessed to enhance security, protect human rights, and promote democratic values”.
For more information on the work of the OSCE PA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism, please click here.
