Christchurch Call outcome ‘a vital first step’ to address terrorism and violent extremism online

InternetNZ CEO Jordan Carter says he is pleased with the outcome of the Christchurch Call summit in Paris and welcomes the commitment to action by key tech companies and governments to address terrorism and violent extremism online.

“It’s important that governments and online service providers have come together on this issue, to agree real, actionable changes,” says Carter.

The final Christchurch Call to Action text includes detailed commitments from governments and online service providers.

Carter had chaired the Voices for Action meeting in Paris, attended by members of civil society groups to discuss next steps after the Call.

“It’s important for diverse voices to have input into the complex issues being discussed in this process.

“The Voices for Action meeting was productive and the suggestions have been well received by the New Zealand Government,” says Carter.

The report states that all action on this issue must be consistent with the principles of a free, open and secure Internet, without compromising human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression;

Government and tech firms also committed to work together to work with other voices and support community led efforts to counter violent extremism, and develop and support a range of practical, non-duplicative initiatives to ensure that this pledge is delivered.

“The Christchurch Call needs to be a start to a new phase of cooperation between governments, social media providers and civil society to counter terrorism and violent extremism online,” says Carter.

“We all need to build off this Christchurch Call to realise positive change – by working together to shape the implementation of these commitments, and to ensure these commitments sustain and improve our human rights online as well as our commitment to an open and secure internet,” he adds.

“InternetNZ stands for helping New Zealanders to harness the power of the Internet for good. The Christchurch call is a chance to make our lives online better.”

Sign up for CIO newsletters for regular updates on CIO news, career tips, views and events. Follow CIO New Zealand on Twitter:@cio_nz