All photos in this article are credited to MARCOM ? GCSP
On 8 May 2025, the Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) co-organized an expert group meeting, hosted by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), with the generous support of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the rule of law and human rights aspects of using artificial intelligence (AI) for counter-terrorism purposes.
The meeting convened 39 experts from technical, policy, legal and advocacy backgrounds, as well as 51影院 entities and regional organizations, to explore how AI can be used in efforts to counter terrorism and the associated human rights risks that can arise.
The event began with opening remarks from Dr. Tobias Vestner, Director of the Research and Policy Advice Department at GCSP, who welcomed participants and introduced the day’s discussions. The first session provided a broad overview of the intersection between AI and counter-terrorism from legal, operational, and technical perspectives. Ambassador Sandra Lendenmann Winterberg (FDFA) addressed the legal complexities and possibilities that AI introduces in this space. Dr. David Scharia (CTED) offered insights into the operational deployment of AI in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need to safeguard human rights. Adding a technical lens, Mr. Adam Hadley (Tech Against Terrorism) examined the current application of AI in content moderation online.
Following this, three substantive panel discussions, chaired by CTED and GCSP, delved into key human rights dimensions that can be affected by the use of AI in counter-terrorism. The first panel turned the spotlight on the right to privacy, with experts examining the implications of surveillance technologies, data governance frameworks, and automated decision-making systems. The second panel tackled issues of liberty and security, unpacking the impact of AI tools, such as predictive policing and enhanced profiling – particularly their potential to reinforce bias and discrimination – and exploring the use of AI in criminal investigations, including in connection with digital forensics and heightened pattern recognition. The final panel focused on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, assessing the growing influence of AI in content moderation, social media monitoring, and the deployment of retooled facial recognition technologies.
The day concluded with a forward-looking session, chaired by CTED, which brought together a diverse range of perspectives. The discussion centred on the themes of accountability and transparency in the use of AI for counter-terrorism purposes. Experts underscored the importance of ensuring access to effective remedies, fostering meaningful engagement with civil society, and strengthening cooperation with the private sector. These reflections further highlighted the growing consensus on the importance of developing a responsible, rights-based approach to the deployment of AI technologies in counter-terrorism efforts.
The meeting served as a valuable forum for rich dialogue, expert exchange, and hands-on exploration of how to embed human rights protections into counter-terrorism strategies that leverage AI. It also fed into CTED’s ongoing work in the AI space, underscoring the critical need for continued collaboration to ensure these technologies are used responsibly while upholding the rule of law and international human rights standards. At the conclusion of the meeting, David Scharia (CTED) warmly thanked the GCSP for its valued partnership, the FDFA for its steadfast support, and all participating experts for their dynamic contributions.