NEW YORK: The United Nations has issued a stark warning that terrorist groups are rapidly mastering modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms, and drones, to advance their nefarious agendas.
Addressing the fourth high-level conference of heads of counter-terrorism agencies from UN member states, Secretary-General António Guterres revealed that extremists worldwide are increasingly leveraging new tools for recruitment, fundraising, and operational expansion. “Terrorists are adapting to new situations,” he said, noting that emerging technologies have made it significantly easier for them to obtain financial resources and attract new members.
“Terrorists have become proficient in taking advantage of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and unmanned aerial vehicles,” Guterres stated, emphasizing the growing sophistication of non-state actors in the digital age.
However, the UN chief also struck an optimistic note, underscoring that the same technologies can serve as powerful counter-terrorism weapons. He highlighted that AI and digital tools offer robust capabilities for the timely identification of threats, preventing the flow of illicit financial resources, and understanding the root drivers of terrorist extremism.
“Technology also provides powerful tools for timely identification of threats, preventing the transfer of illicit financial resources, and understanding the factors that lead to terrorist extremism,” he added.
The conference underscored the urgent need for international cooperation to stay ahead of evolving terrorist methodologies while harnessing innovation to bolster global security frameworks.
