ALLIES

Project Background

Even though the number of terrorist attacks have remained approximately at the same level as the previous years (119 in 2020 and in 2019, 129 in 2018), there is a new factor that plays a pivotal role for the spread of violent extremism propaganda – the Internet. One of the most dangerous and trending types of misuse of the opportunities that the Internet offers in the field of public security has been proven to be the usage of social media and websites for dissemination of terrorist content.

Consequently, a step further was taken by the European Union on the matter by adopting a new Regulation, namely Regulation (EU) 2021/7845 (also known as the TCO Regulation) urging the implementation of specific protective measures. The TCO Regulation requires online hosting providers to remove any illegal terrorist content within one hour, after having received an official removal order.

The aim of ALLIES is to support micro and small Hosting Service Providers (HSP) in complying with the requirements of the TCO Regulation through the creation of the proper learning, training, experience sharing mechanisms as well as technical (AI) tools.

The outcomes of this project will not only contribute to the enforcement of the TCO Regulation, but they are also profoundly aligned with the objectives laid down by the European Commission in the 2020 Counter Terrorism Agenda.

The ultimate outcomes that will derive from the project will include not only a higher number of TCO removed by micro and small HSPs, but also establishing a model of communication between such enterprises so that they share best practises and experiences with each other. Finally, the increase in the number of micro and small HSPs that will implement the TCO Regulation in a proper way is also a long-term outcome towards which ALLIES aims to work.

Project Objectives

The aim of ALLIES is to support micro and small Hosting Service Providers (HSP) in complying with the requirements of the TCO Regulation through the creation of the proper learning, training, experience sharing mechanisms as well as technical (AI) tools.

AWARENESS among micro and small HSPs for the TCO Regulation and its requirements

AI TOOL developed to support HSPs by implementing the TCO Regulation

TRAINING for HSPs concerning TCO Regulation content and the usage of the created AI tool

SAFE ONLINE ENVIRONMENT for experience sharing and reporting among HSPs