CounteR

To support the fight against radicalization and thus prevent future terrorist attacks, the CounteR project brings data from dispersed sources into analysis and alerts platforms for data mining and prediction of critical areas (e.g., communities). CounteR aims to be a frontline community policing tool which looks at the community and its related risk factors rather than targeting and surveilling individuals. 

Doing so is essential as it ensures the privacy of citizens and the protection of their data. The issue is of great concern to policymakers and LEAs (Law Enforcement Agencies) alike, who must balance the vital work they do with the need to protect innocent individuals. 

The system incorporates state-of-the-art technologies combined with expert knowledge into the psychology of radicalization processes to provide a complete solution for LEAs to understand the when, where and why of radicalization in the community to help combat propaganda, fundraising, recruitment and mobilization, networking, information sharing, planning/coordination, data manipulation, and misinformation. The information gained by the system also allows LEAs and other community stakeholders to implement prevention programs and employ counternarratives rather than relying solely on surveillance. 

The CounteR solution uses a wide range of information sources, both dynamic and offline (e.g., open data sources), combined with world-renowned expertise in radicalization processes and their psychology. The CounteR radicalization tool will allow LEAs to take coordinated actions in real-time while also preserving citizens' privacy, as the system will target “hotspots” of radicalization rather than individuals. 

In addition, the CounteR radicalization detection prototype supports information sharing between European LEAs and fosters collaboration between various agencies by providing an open platform that prioritizes harmonized information formats.

ASSIST Software is the coordinator of the project and a technical partner. Leveraging its extensive experience and expertise in information technology and data analytics, the firm is responsible for weaving together disparate information from various sources into a cohesive platform for data mining and predictive analysis.

The Privacy-First Situational Awareness Platform for Violent Terrorism and Crime Prediction, Counter Radicalization and Citizen Protection Project or CounteR is funded by the Horizon 2020 program of the European Union and submitted under the H2020-SU-SEC-2020 call for proposals with the project ID 101021607.