Rapid digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, algorithmic systems, evolving social media and gaming platforms and other emerging online spaces, is reshaping how individuals and communities communicate, form identities and engage with the world.
While these technologies offer significant opportunities to strengthen efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism, and to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, they are also increasingly exploited by terrorist actors, their supporters and sympathizers.
The rise of AI-generated content, deepfakes, and algorithmic amplification increases the speed, scale and reach of harmful narratives, creating new and complex challenges for prevention efforts and underlining the need for safeguards and transparent, accountable digital governance, that also upholds freedom of the media and free expression.
At the same time, new and emerging technologies are not the problem in themselves. When designed and used responsibly, digital platforms and algorithms can be powerful tools for prevention, enabling earlier detection of harmful trends, better understanding of pathways to radicalization to violence, more tailored and positive messaging, and more effective, community centred and evidence based prevention efforts.
The AI and PCVE Project
With the generous contribution of the Republic of Korea, UNOCT launched the Artificial Intelligence and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Project, under its Global Programme on PCVE.
The project brings together governments, civil society, researchers, technology experts and frontline practitioners from across the world to build a shared, evidence-based understanding of how AI is reshaping the prevention landscape. Through global surveys, expert consultations and rigorous peer review, the project has mapped risks, opportunities and real-world needs, ensuring that its outputs reflect operational realities rather than theory alone.
The Practice Guide: from insight to action
The Practice Guide: from insight to action
A central outcome of the project is the Practice Guide on Artificial Intelligence and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. The Practice Guide provides practical human rights-based guidance to PCVE practitioners and policymakers seeking to engage with AI responsibly in PCVE contexts. It supports informed decision-making, strengthens organizational readiness, and helps ensure that AI use aligns with ethical principles, human rights and the rule of law.
Drawing on global research, a worldwide survey of practitioners, and consultations with governments, civil society, technology experts and international organizations, the Guide explains:
- How violent extremist actors are already misusing AI
- Where AI can responsibly support prevention efforts
- What human rights, ethical and governance risks must be managed when applying AI in sensitive prevention contexts
- How organizations can strengthen safeguards, oversight and institutional readiness for the responsible use of AI
The Guide also includes a practical workbook, featuring tools such as an AI risk assessment template, a human rights and ethics checklist, and a stakeholder-mapping tool, designed for immediate use by PCVE actors. Whether an organization is already experimenting with AI or only beginning to explore its relevance, the Guide provides a structured way to navigate choices, manage risks and identify where technology can genuinely add value.
From guidance to capacity-building
The Practice Guide is part of a broader effort to strengthen the capacity of the PCVE field to engage responsibly with emerging technologies.
Building on the Guide, the project is developing and piloting a “train-the-trainer” curriculum to support peer-to-peer learning and institutional uptake. Further information on the next phase of this work will be shared soon
Stay tuned!
Useful Resources
Launch of the AI&PCVE Guide
On the occasion of the fourth observance of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism (12 Feb), the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), through the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), will convene in partnership with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, an event entitled “From Principles to Practice: Special Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism”
