Tech giants to co-operate to tackle terrorist content

TECHNOLOGY giants have pledged to join forces in efforts to tackle terrorist content online following a summit with the Home Secretary.

Facebook, Google, Twitter and Microsoft committed to explore options for a cross-industry forum and step up collaboration on technical tools that aim to identify and remove extremist propaganda.

The plans were announced after a meeting between senior executives from the four firms, as well as figures from other companies, and Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

A number of platforms have repeatedly faced calls to do more to stop terror-related videos and pages spreading on the web.

The debate flared up last week after it emerged that information on how to mount an attack was easily accessible in the wake of Westminster terrorist Khalid Masood’s murderous rampage.

In a joint statement after the meeting, bosses from Facebook, Google, Twitter and Microsoft said they would “encourage the further development of technical tools to identify and remove terrorist propaganda”.

“Companies apply unique content policies and have developed – and continue to develop – techniques appropriate for or unique to their own platforms,” they said.

“None the less, there is a significant opportunity to share the knowledge gained in these varied efforts to develop innovative solutions.”

The companies will also explore the creation of a new forum to increase collaboration within the industry.