Challenge before the world to deal with the misuse of new technology by terrorists: Guterres

Akanksha Hatwal October 29, 2022

2 minutes read

New Delhi. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday called for concerted global efforts to tackle the challenge of terrorist groups using new technologies for propaganda.

In a message to the Counter-Terrorism Committee meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in Delhi, Guterres condemned the misuse of new technologies by various terrorist groups to spread propaganda, incite conflict and radicalize the youth. But expressed concern. Representatives of all the 15 member countries of the United Nations Security Council are participating in the counter-terrorism meeting in Delhi. Guterres’ message was read by an official of the global body.

The UN Secretary-General said that new and emerging technologies have unmatched potential to improve human conditions everywhere, but sadly, they have also been misused by many, including those with malicious intent. “Hate-minded terrorists and others are misusing new and emerging technologies to spread propaganda, fuel conflict, recruit and radicalize youth, mobilize resources and carry out attacks,” he said.

Guterres said the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the many risks of such abuse. “We must take concrete measures to reduce these risks while remaining committed to protecting all human rights in the digital space,” he said.

This can only be achieved through effective multilateralism and international cooperation, which is consistent with the values and obligations of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Secretary-General said.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj said that while new and emerging technologies have helped fuel economic growth, they have also created challenges that require the attention of the international community. Kamboj is presiding this meeting. He said that the use of new technology to carry out terrorist activities is increasing. The use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes is increasing, diversifying and adopting new methods, as different technologies are cheaper and more readily available, he said.

Apart from representatives of the member countries of the United Nations Security Council, experts and leading agencies from around the world are participating in the meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the dangers posed by the use of technologies for terrorist purposes. The first day’s meeting was held in Mumbai on Friday. This is the first time that the UN Security Council is meeting in any format in India. (Language)