The ALLIES Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping micro and small Hosting Service Providers (HSPs) with the necessary tools and guidance to comply with the stringent requirements under the Terrorist Content Online (TCO) Regulation, recently held its final conference in Athens, Greece. The event, hosted at The President Hotel, brought together key stakeholders, including HSPs, Law Enforcement Authorities (LEAs), National Authorities, technical companies, and sister projects, for an in-depth exploration of the regulatory, operational, and technological landscape in which HSPs operate.
The conference featured a series of engaging presentations and discussions, highlighting the innovative AI-based solutions developed through the ALLIES project. These solutions are designed to enhance detection and reporting mechanisms for illegal content while addressing the specific needs and limitations of small HSPs. Attendees had the opportunity to witness demonstrations of advanced tools and frameworks developed by ALLIES and learn how these integrate with existing tools.
Key Highlights from the Event:
Panel 1: Terrorist Online Trends & TCO Regulation – Experts from academia, national authorities, and private sector entities explored the latest trends in online terrorist activity and the challenges of implementing the TCO Regulation. Discussions underscored the need for a balanced approach that ensures security while safeguarding digital rights.
Panel 2: Responding to Online Terrorist Content – This session delved into national authorities' and LEAs' perspectives on countering terrorist content, showcasing practical experiences and case studies from across Europe.
Panel 3: AI vs. Counter-Terrorism & Criminality – Leading researchers and technology experts discussed the role of AI in combating criminal activity online, highlighting best practices and lessons learned from various EU-funded projects.
ALLIES AI Tools Showcase – Attendees had the opportunity to witness firsthand the innovative AI-driven tools developed within the project, designed to support HSPs in identifying and removing terrorist content in compliance with the TCO Regulation.
European Efforts on TCO Implementation – A dedicated session featuring representatives from European agencies emphasized the collaborative approach needed to counteract the dissemination of extremist material online effectively.
TCO Cluster Collaboration – The event also highlighted synergies between the ALLIES Project and other EU-funded initiatives such as TATE and FRISCO, demonstrating how cooperation maximizes impact and fosters sustainable solutions.
Key achievements of the ALLIES project were showcased, including successful pilot demonstrations in Nicosia and Barcelona, significant research results, and high visibility of the project achieved through the efforts of SYNYO. The event also provided a platform for discussing collaborative strategies among stakeholders to strengthen compliance with the TCO Regulation and bolster a safer online environment across Europe.
The conference concluded with positive feedback from external guests and the project officer, who praised the engaging discussions and valuable insights shared during the event. The ALLIES project has made significant strides in enhancing the capabilities of small HSPs to manage and report illegal content, contributing to a safer and more secure online space for all.
The ALLIES Project has been instrumental in equipping small and micro HSPs with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. Through extensive stakeholder engagement, tailored training, and AI-driven compliance solutions, the project has significantly contributed to enhancing the resilience of the digital ecosystem against extremist threats.
With its Final Event serving as both a culmination and a stepping stone, ALLIES has set the stage for continued collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to ensure that online spaces remain secure and free from terrorist exploitation.
For more information about the ALLIES Project and its outcomes, visit www.alliesproject.com or contact office@alliesproject.com
