The United Nations recently revealed a new initiative aimed at safeguarding victims of terrorism from online harm and retraumatisation, focusing on a victim-centric approach to creating safer digital environments. Announced on August 21, the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the initiative aims to protect human rights and support survivors of terror attacks.
Last year, the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) launched the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), a coalition now connecting 120 associations across 40 countries. A key outcome of the 2022 UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism was the establishment of platforms where victims, survivors, and advocacy groups can collaborate for meaningful change. This effort is amplified with VoTAN’s recent release of a briefing paper that offers actionable insights for governments, tech companies, and civil societies to create digital spaces that protect rather than re-traumatise those affected by terrorism (JURIST).
During the announcement, survivors shared their experiences of how online platforms can trigger trauma long after an attack. Dr. Maysoon Salama highlighted the role of recommendation algorithms in circulating graphic content and the challenges posed by deepfake technologies. Odette Chesnot, a psychologist, pointed out the psychological impact of non-consensual content and misinformation, often causing distress to victims and families.
The briefing paper outlines a shift from basic content removal to a more comprehensive victim-centric framework. It suggests platform designs include features like priority reporting channels and direct human moderation for verified victims. The proposal also introduces a “Golden Hour Protocol,” where platforms have pre-arranged crisis response rooms to manage misinformation swiftly after an attack. These features aim to mitigate the amplification of extremist content, especially around anniversaries of attacks, and prevent the wrongful monetisation of such distressing material.
The UN initiative represents a critical step in addressing the complex challenges faced by terrorism victims in the digital age, calling for collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders to ensure enhanced digital safety and support.