This report is from Phase 1 of GIFCT’s research network initiative. Please note that during this time the network was known as the Global Research Network on Terrorism and Technology (GRNTT) and was delivered by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
This paper summarises the outcomes of a three-month research project conducted by RUSI’s Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies. It draws on semi-structured interviews conducted in July and August 2018 with communication service providers, government, law enforcement and international agencies involved in the response to the online terrorist threats. Details from a cross-sectoral workshop held at RUSI with 25 representatives from government, law enforcement and the private sector involved in the response to either terrorist financing or the terrorist use of online communications services were also included in the research. This paper put forward a number of key recommendations, which include that the design of the response to the online terrorist threat should mitigate the risk of unintended consequences similar to those observed as a result of counterterrorist financing regulations, and as a complement to regulations, policymakers and communication service providers should identify areas in which public–private collaboration could strengthen the response to the terrorist use of online communication services.
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