AI-Based Framework for Supporting Micro and Small Hosting Service Providers on the Report and Removal of Online Terrorist Content

Abstract

This work proposes a framework integrating AI technologies and tools to assist micro and small hosting service providers (HSPs) in adhering to the terrorist content online (TCO) Regulation. The framework encompasses: (i) a suite of AI tools for the automated detection and removal of TCO, (ii) a federated learning infrastructure for (re-)training and testing the underlying AI models, (iii) a secure shared hash repository to facilitate the automated prevention of uploading subversive content to HSP platforms, and (iv) a unified reporting mechanism to support the submission of removal orders by competent authorities. The proposed framework is being developed in the context of the ALLIES project in a user-driven manner based on the requirements of HSP and law enforcement agency (LEA) personnel. In addition, its development is guided by a desktop and empirical study on the landscape of online radicalisation, extremism conducted by domain experts. Overall, this framework is envisaged to support micro and small HSPs and protect their platforms from terrorist abuse in an efficient and cost-effective way.