Counterterrorism, or antiterrorism, is defined as “the measures and steps taken to prevent and combat terrorism”. Likewise, Counter Violent Extremism “refers to the efforts focused on preventing all forms of ideologically based extremist violence, to include prevention of successful recruitment into terrorist groups”, as per the definition given by the US government.
Since the 9/11 incident, terrorism and violent extremism have become a global threat leading to civilian casualties, trauma, destruction of infrastructure, long-term economic decline, polarization, radicalization, internal displacement, political instability and humanitarian crisis. It also leads to other global security concerns such as the proliferation of weapons, human or drugs trafficking, etc.
Political instability, civil wars, authoritarian regimes, and lack of good governance led to power vacuums creating space for terrorism and violent extremism
Mainly, political instability, civil wars, authoritarian regimes, and lack of good governance led to power vacuums creating space for terrorism and violent extremism. Moreover, social marginalization, poverty, unemployment rates, and radical religious and political ideologies in a particular community also provoke violence and instability, for instance, the insurgency in Balochistan. The terrorist and extremist factions exploit the grievances and vulnerabilities of people or manipulate their ideologies to recruit them in order to impose their agendas and convictions.
In addition, advanced technology has globalized terrorism and extremism. The internet and social media have allowed them to carry out their heinous ambitions and build networks worldwide more effectively and efficiently. Therefore, the consequences arose with the spurt in the frequency and virulence of terrorist attacks challenging national and international peace and security. Over the decades, numerous conventional strategies such as short-term military solutions and intelligence proved insufficient in achieving the desired objectives of curbing terrorism and extremism.
Moreover, traditional strategies failed to be in step with innovative and digital tactics used by such extremist organizations. The reason behind this is the failure to address the ideological root causes, lack of community engagement, and focus on response rather than prevention of terrorism. Therefore, there is a need for not just a comprehensive action plan but also the adaptation of technology in such strategies.
Artificial intelligence-driven strategies provide substantial opportunities to detect, prevent, and counter terrorism and violent extremism. However, the ethical and practical challenges raised by AI must also be addressed in this regard. To investigate the critical aspects of AI in the field of Counterterrorism (CT) and Violent Extremism (CVE), the article will enumerate the pros and cons of AI and will elucidate extensive prospects of AI application for countering terrorism and violent extremism.
Artificial Intelligence is a way of making a computer, a computer-controlled robot, or software work efficiently, similarly through which an intelligent human thinks and makes decisions. AI has come a long way to revamp every domain of life including peace and security. It incorporates various hot technologies like Natural Language Generation, Machine Learning Platforms, Computer Vision, Text Analytics and Natural Language Processing (NLP), Speech Recognition, Virtual Agents, Decision Management, Biometrics, AI Optimized Hardware, Cyber-Defense, Deep Learning Platforms, Content Creation, Robotic Process and Marketing Automation, Emotion and Image Recognition, and Data Analytics.
AI effectively contributes to tracking down and thwarting terrorist activities and analogous threats
AI in combating terrorism and violent extremism offers numerous benefits.First, AI effectively contributes to tracking down and thwarting terrorist activities and analogous threats. Machine Learning Platforms with the help of their algorithms, training tools, big data, development, and application programming interfaces can be used to categorize some information and people online and can predict an event or attack that may happen. The manual methods could otherwise cause human error and consume much time.
Second, AI can be used for disruption and intervention in counterterrorism and CVE. For instance, risk profiles of suspected people and groups can be created and AI algorithms can analyze such profiles, past events, trends, and data to intervene in any future incidents. It can play a greater role in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) which helps to monitor public places, border crossings and other suspected places. Also, the features of facial recognition technology, biometrics, and behavior analysis can be used to track and arrest terrorists and extremists in crowded places. Image and emotion recognition can detect fraudulent activities and can aid in investigation.
Third, AI can identify and cancel out cyber threats induced by terrorist organizations. The AI algorithms can detect and block such malicious content and mitigate threats to data and critical infrastructure. Additionally, Machine learning and AI algorithms can assist in scrutinizing social media and the internet. The AI monitoring of social media platforms can point out extremist networks and preclude the advertisement of their propaganda. The records of financial transactions can give a clue about funding associated with terrorist organizations.
Fourth, Robots and Autonomous Systems can be employed in high-risk areas and conflict zones minimizing human loss. AI-driven automated weapon systems or deep learning platforms can be maintained, trained, and tuned in such a way that can attack any criminal or terrorist before any attack or incident in public places with its fast-executed automated decision-making capability.
Fifth, Robots can be used in counter-terrorism agencies to perform a variety of tasks like supply chain management, human resources, and financial services to let the agencies better focus its resources on countering terrorist and extremist activities. Moreover, data collection, integration, pattern identification, predictive trend analysis, stress-testing, simulation, etc. can aid in risk assessment and management leading to automated decision-making and targeted strategies. So, AI can also be beneficial to government institutions for formulating an adaptive and effective strategy to counter terrorism and violent extremism.
Understanding the tactics and strategies of extremists and terrorists can help to undermine their messaging strategies and come up with counter-narratives
Last but not the least, AI can be helpful in strategic communication. Natural language processing (NLP), AI-driven content moderation tools, and sentiment analysis can be used to analyze the content available on online platforms promoting violence, hate speech, etc. Understanding the tactics and strategies of extremists and terrorists can then help to undermine their messaging strategies and come up with counter-narratives. It can also flag and remove such content from social apps. AI chatbots and virtual assistants can play an influential role in education and awareness among individuals against such blocs and promote peace, harmony and tolerance in society.
Several practical illustrations of AI deployment for security purposes gave an idea of the assets and liabilities of AI in CT and CVE. For example, America’s National Security Agency performed the auspicious implementation of machine learning and NLP for data analysis in intelligence gathering. The systems were set to keep an eye on social media apps on the grounds of keywords linked with terrorism and extremism. Likewise, Google and Facebook censored some content promoting violence and hatred by removing and flagging akin posts, accounts, and stories.
In addition, AI-based predictive policing models were fruitfully applied by the Los Angeles Police Department for sleuthing radical strongholds. Moreover, facial recognition systems and biometrics are exercised at numerous public places, airports and railway stations such as in the United Kingdom. It helps to track down known criminals and suspected terrorists.
Still, the pragmatic use of AI underscores multiple failures and drawbacks, mainly privacy issues and human rights. A study was conducted that asserted the potential of AI-based facial recognition technology to trigger violations of civil liberties and racial stereotyping. For, AI could misidentify minority populations based on discriminatory datasets.
The surveillance and intelligence gathering by AI compromise the individual’s freedom and the fundamental right of their privacy
Besides the numerous benefits of AI in CT and CVE, the challenge comes with data privacy and civil liberties. The surveillance and intelligence gathering by AI compromise the individual’s freedom and the fundamental right of their privacy. There is a need to maintain a balance between national security and individual privacy with the proper authentication, permission, and regulation for data collection and surveillance.
In addition, AI’s algorithms and data training are biased or the information and patterns fed into its algorithms no longer work or face any error. Then, all the functions will be flawed and can come up with biases or discrimination. Based on those data algorithms, AI can target specific race, religion or ethnicity inciting hatred and extremism. Furthermore, the biggest setback that the cyber world faces is the issue of transparency and accountability. It raises questions about the responsibility of failed responses, and the inability to detect or misidentify a threat or suspect. It may lead to public distrust and abuse.
Then, the increased dependence of counter-terrorism organizations and law enforcement agencies on AI can weaken human intelligence, traditional investigative methods, and response mechanisms to counterterrorism. It may create a loophole and can be exploited by adversaries.Likewise, the biggest challenge may arise with the weaponization of AI. There comes the possibility of authoritarian and offensive use of AI as a weapon such as autonomous drones and surveillance systems that could shape the global power dynamics threatening international security and human rights.
On top of that, incorporating AI in Defence and security frameworks also requires huge investment in technology and a shift from existing work roles. So, that may require efficient resource allocation and training programs.In sum, the difference in legal and ethical frameworks of each state and strategic culture may hinder the common global response. Therefore, terrorism as a global threat requires global cooperation and coordination.
Counter-terrorism agencies and government bodies need inclusive and balanced AI-driven strategies for countering terrorism and violent extremism. Most importantly, there is a need to make rules and regulations that command AI strategies for counterterrorism and violent extremism. Conventionalities must also be adopted to ensure ethical usage of technology to value human rights, civil liberties, transparency, and unbiasedness. In this way, civilian privacy could be protected during mass surveillance. For that purpose, a collaborative effort could be called upon by the international community and big powers that can produce a standard framework for regulating AI to counter the global threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
Furthermore, AI-driven strategies to counter terrorism and violent extremism demand cross-sector partnerships and interdisciplinary research and development initiatives. All stakeholders like technologists, sociologists, psychologists, policymakers, and lawmakers, can contribute to bring out well-aligned and holistic strategies to address terrorism and extremism threats. Civil society and human rights organizations can also provide a social perspective and make practical implementation possible. Such an approach can also uncover the human psychological demands concerning security.
The state needs to enhance and modernize its measures for effective combat operations against terrorism and violent extremism.
Over and above that, regular updates and continuous monitoring are vital to AI systems and datasets to keep up with the ever evolving and globalized threats of terrorism and violent extremism. Feedback loops and real-time adjustments can also be helpful in this regard. Essential investment in research and development is needed to modernize existing AI technologies such as quantum computing and advanced data analytics.To sum up, there is a need for a balanced approach and comprehensive strategy for effectively utilizing AI in CT and CVE. Pakistan is recognized globally for its fight against terrorism. The state needs to enhance and modernize its measures for effective combat operations against terrorism and violent extremism.
In Pakistan, the organizations like National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and Military Intelligence can coordinate efforts in this regard making unified AI infrastructure. For instance, these organizations can form a centralized data repository and interagency AI platform. Such a platform can enhance real-time data sharing, AI-based intelligence, and risk assessment to discuss and analyze terrorist threats and mark predictive threats and scenario analysis for coordinated response mechanisms and automated decision support. These institutes can also assist in cross-agency training, internships, and workshops and could also collaborate with international experts in this regard.
Moreover, collaborations with international organizations such as the United Nations, USAID, and the European Union, etc. can provide financial and technical assistance to Pakistan for formulating AI-driven strategies for counterterrorism and CVE. For that purpose, Non-governmental organizations like the Jinnah Institute, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, and the Peace and Development Foundation of Pakistan can also assist in education, research, and development initiatives improving the soft and hard efforts of Pakistan for counterterrorism and counter violent extremism.
Disclaimer:The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
