Ref. Ares(2015)3219914 - 31/07/2015
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL MIGRATION AND HOME AFFAIRS
Directorate D: Security
Unit D.1: Terrorism and Crisis Management
Meeting Report of 7th May 2015
Preparatory meeting of the EU Internet Forum
DG HOME met with representatives of industry as well as the office of the Counter-Terrorism
Coordinator on 7th May 2015 for a first exchange of views regarding the establishment of the EU
Internet Forum with Internet Service Providers.
The European Agenda on Security announced the launch of "
an EU-level Forum with IT companies to
bring them together with law enforcement authorities and civil society. Building upon the preparatory
meetings organised in 2014, the Forum will focus on deploying the best tools to counter terrorist
propaganda on the internet and in social media. In cooperation with IT companies, the Forum will
also explore the concerns of law enforcement authorities on new encryption technologies."
In this first exploratory meeting, participants shared their positions on these issues, discussed the
various challenges that stakeholders are facing and planned for next steps for formalising future
forum meetings. Operating framework and scope of the forum were also discussed.
In line with the policy objectives set out in the
European Agenda on Security but also the
Commission's
Communication on Prevention and the
Revised EU Strategy on Radicalisation and
Recruitment, participants agreed that priority areas comprise in particular the exchange of best
practices and expertise in the field of counter narratives as well as detection and removal of content
infringing the terms and conditions of the internet and social media companies in question. The
scope of topics to be discussed within the forum should also comprise where appropriate other
aspects related to the use of the internet and social media by terrorist organisations or for purposes
deemed conducive to radicalisation or violent extremism.
The envisaged dialogue with industry and efforts to address violent extremism and terrorism related
activities on the internet and social media is one important aspect of tackling radicalisation and
recruitment. Yet, this endeavour needs to be seen as part of a holistic approach.
Participants shared information about their companies' policies, procedures and engagement and
highlighted challenges, needs and expectations as regards the above topics. Ongoing activities
address content that violates their terms and conditions, as well as providing support to counter
narratives and credible voices amongst civil society and conducting research in this field. Companies
highlighted the need for greater coordination amongst various government agencies and authorities
across Europe in terms of proactive engagement and reactive requests for removals, particularly
given the limited capacity and resource constraints (especially for smaller companies).
Participants exchanged views on possible future activities and events of mutual interest. This could
include high-level meetings to be hosted by Commissioner Avramopoulos bringing together EU
Ministers of Interiors and representatives of the internet industry and possibly other stakeholders.
The first high-level meeting could be convened before the end of 2015. The activities planned by the
forum could also include a series of training and awareness raising events for a variety of target
groups. Such events could take the form of trainings on effective counter messaging for practitioners
and NGOs drawing on the experience of the Radicalisation Awareness Network, in particular the
RAN@ working group; or awareness raising workshops with MS representatives, including policy
makers and law enforcement exchanging experiences and best practices in how to deal with the
challenges when dealing with radicalisation, violent extremism and terrorist related content online.
Such events could be organised in the coming months.
