The 6th CounteR Technical Meeting deemed CounteR ready for external testing

February 15, 2024
3 min read
The 6th CounteR Technical Meeting deemed CounteR ready for external testing

ASSIST Software, as project lead, played a key role in the recent CounteR meeting and pilot session held in Lisbon, Portugal. The event, hosted by the Portuguese Police – Polícia Judiciária (PJ) – brought together representatives from nineteen organizations working to develop a sophisticated tool for identifying and countering radical content online. 

Adrian Onu, the company's Chief Operating Officer, and Elias Apascariței, Java Technologies developer, represented ASSIST Software at the event. Their participation highlights the company's dedication to leveraging technology for social good and contributing to the fight against radicalization. 

Meeting Summary 

The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of the CounteR Platform, a milestone project result. This innovative tool uses technology-driven approaches to identify and address the spread of extremist ideologies online. Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) actively participated in guided testing exercises, providing valuable feedback that will be used to refine the system further. 

The discussions, improvement suggestions, and opinions provided ASSIST Software with crucial information regarding further development. With its extensive experience in software development, project management, and data security, ASSIST Software understands what needs must be fulfilled so that the CounteR project is deemed a success. These discussions are instrumental in ensuring the effectiveness and ethical implementation of the CounteR Platform. 

Beyond technical contributions, ASSIST Software also actively participated in broader project discussions. The meeting addressed crucial topics such as policy recommendations for the European Commission, intellectual property rights, and future commercial exploitation of the platform. 

The CounteR Project represents a significant step forward in the fight against radicalization. With ASSIST Software's involvement, the project is poised to deliver a powerful tool that empowers LEAs and other organizations to identify and address potential threats early on. 

Moving Further 

The fight against online radicalization takes a crucial step forward with Pilot 4 of the CounteR Platform, slated for late March 2024. This exciting phase extends testing beyond law enforcement agencies, inviting external stakeholders to play a vital role in shaping the platform's future. 

Are you a citizen concerned about online extremism? A researcher delving into the complexities of radicalization? Or perhaps a representative of an organization committed to building a safer online space? Then this is your chance to make a difference! 

By participating in the Beta Test, you'll gain firsthand experience with the CounteR Platform, a sophisticated tool designed to: 

  • Identify and track the spread of extremist content online. 

  • Provide early warnings of potential radicalization. 

  • Empower law enforcement and other stakeholders to take targeted action. 

Your feedback is crucial in shaping the platform's effectiveness and ensuring it meets the needs of diverse users. Through your participation, you'll directly contribute to building a more secure and inclusive online environment for all. 

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ASSIST Software primarily leverages Agile principles for flexibility and adaptability. This means we break down projects into smaller, manageable sprints, allowing continuous feedback and iteration throughout the development cycle. We also incorporate elements from other methodologies to increase efficiency as needed. For example, we use Scrum for project roles and collaboration, and Kanban boards to see workflow and manage tasks. As per the Waterfall approach, we emphasize precise planning and documentation during the initial stages.

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Scaled Agile refers to frameworks and practices that help large organizations adopt Agile methodologies. Traditional Agile is designed for small, self-organizing teams. Scaled Agile addresses the challenges of implementing Agile across multiple teams working on complex projects.  

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5. How do I choose the best collaboration model with ASSIST Software?  

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