Joint global action needed to tackle misuse of technology in terrorism: UN Secretary-General Gaethres

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday called for a concerted global effort to tackle the challenge of various terrorist groups using new technologies to inflame people and incite social discord.

In his speech at the Delhi meeting of the UN Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee, he expressed concern about the misuse of new technologies by various terrorist groups to spread disinformation, incite discord and radicalize youth.

Representatives from all 15 members of the UN Security Council attended the counter-terrorism conference in Delhi.

Guterres’ message was read out by an official at the global agency.

“New and emerging technologies have unparalleled potential to improve the human condition around the world, and sadly they are also misused by many, including malicious actors,” the UN Secretary-General said.

“Terrorists and others with hateful ideologies are abusing emerging technologies to spread disinformation, incite discord, recruit and radicalize, mobilize resources and launch attacks,” he said.

Guterres said the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted many loopholes in such abuses.

“We must take concrete steps to reduce these vulnerabilities while committing to protecting all human rights in the digital sphere,” he said.

“This can only be achieved through effective multilateralism and international cooperation, anchoring our response in the values ​​and obligations of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” he added.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, said emerging technologies can help drive economic growth, but they also pose challenges that require the attention of the international community.

Kamboj chaired the meeting.

The use of new technologies to carry out terrorist activities is increasing, she said.

“Emerging technologies for terrorist purposes are increasing, diversifying and developing as various technologies become cheaper and more accessible,” she said.

In addition to representatives of UN Security Council members, global experts and leading institutions were also present at the meeting aimed at discussing the threats posed by the use of technology for terrorist purposes.

The first day of the meeting was held in Mumbai on Friday. This is the first time the UN Security Council has met in India in any form.



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