Former Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron launched the Christchurch Call in response to the terrorist events that took place in two mosques in Christchurch in 2019.
The Call represents a commitment by governments and tech companies to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. The Cyber Threats Research Centre (CYTREC) at Swansea University is a member of the Call’s Advisory Network, which provides advice and consultation on policy matters and initiatives related to the Call, with Dr Katy Vaughan sitting as the Network’s Co-Chair.
This newly created position as Special Envoy for the Call represents New Zealand’s continued commitment to push for greater protection online from terrorist and violent extremist content. The Special Envoy will report directly to the Prime Minister.
Speaking of the new appointment, New Zealand Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, said:
“Terrorist and violent extremist content online is a global issue, but for many in New Zealand it is also very personal. The March 15 terror attacks on Christchurch masjidain were a defining moment for our country and Jacinda Ardern’s leadership and the Christchurch Call is part of our response to those attacks.
“Jacinda’s commitment to stopping violent extremist content like we saw that day is key to why she should carry on this work. Her relationships with leaders and technology companies and her drive for change will help increase the pace and ambition of the work we are doing through the Christchurch Call. Jacinda’s leadership on the Christchurch Call has already made New Zealand, and the world, a safer place.
“We owe it to those who lost their lives on 15 March 2019 to continue our work to ensure there is no place for terrorist and violent extremist content online.”
For more information about the Christchurch Call, see www.christchurchcall.com