Recent Reports
As part of the EU-funded Tech Against Terrorism Europe project, Professor Stuart Macdonald, Dr Ashley Mattheis and David Wells published a report on the use of AI and machine learning to identify terrorist content online. The report’s recommendations include: (1) human input into content moderation processes remains necessary, and a set of minimum standards for those employing moderators should be developed; (2) international organisations and governments should support the development of openly available automated content moderation tools by NGOs; and, (3) the largest tech platforms should develop and make openly available automated content moderation tools, accompanied by a good practice guide that explains how the tool works, its limitations, and how it can be integrated into a platform. Stuart Macdonald and Sean McCafferty published the report Online Jihadist Propaganda Dissemination Strategies . Using a dataset collected from jihadist channels on four platforms (an archiving service, a decentralised messaging service, and two decentralised chat apps on the Rocketchat server), the report identifies evolutions in how jihadist propaganda is being disseminated online. In particular, it highlights the use of in-links to manually create echo chambers and the low takedown rates for content attached to, or embedded in, in-channel posts. Dr Joe Whittaker was part of a team that conducted the largest survey of involuntary celibates (incels) to date, attempting to understand their psychological experiences, their adherence to ideology, and their online networking. The research , funded by the UK Home Office, found that a large number purport extremely hostile and misogynistic attitudes and a sizable minority justify the use of violence. At the same time, they suffer from exceptionally poor mental health and have high levels of neurodiversity.
New Book: Proving International Crimes
Professor Yvonne McDermott Rees’s book on the law of evidence before international criminal courts and tribunals has been submitted and will be published by Oxford University Press later in 2024.
Academic Bencher of the Inner Temple
Professor Yvonne McDermott Rees has been elected Master of the Bench of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. This honour is conveyed on distinguished academics whose work contributes to the study of law and disciplines relevant to the education of future legal practitioners. Benchers hold office for life once elected, and are expected to contribute to the governance and education and training activities of the Inn. The Inner Temple is one of the four Inns of Court in London, which hold the exclusive right to call students to practise law at the Bar of England and Wales.
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