Independent Experts Mass Resign from Meta-Led Anti-Terrorism Group
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Six of nine advisory board members quit the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, alleging a push to eliminate independent oversight.
As Wired first reported, six of the nine independent experts on the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) advisory board resigned on Monday. The departing members, who include university researchers and civil society representatives, cited a loss of confidence in the consortium's ability to prevent terrorists from exploiting online services.
The resignations follow a July email from Meta’s Nell McCarthy, a vice president overseeing content policy, stating that while the consortium welcomed insights on violent trends, it no longer desired expert scrutiny regarding the effectiveness of Big Tech's efforts. Meta currently chairs the GIFCT operating board, which includes other members such as Microsoft and YouTube.
According to Wired, the proposed structural changes would shift the selection of new advisory committee members from an election by current members to a process controlled by tech companies. Furthermore, the committee would be prohibited from making group recommendations or weighing in on the consortium's performance. In a resignation letter, the departing members described these changes as "accountability theatre," arguing that a body unable to evaluate or scrutinize is not a true advisory body.
A GIFCT spokesperson told Wired that the proposed changes are not yet final and were informed by feedback on how to more effectively engage governments and civil society.
The conflict emerges as the GIFCT faces ongoing challenges, including failures in its tip-sharing database and the rise of AI-generated extremist content. The resignations also follow a February House Judiciary Committee report that mentioned both the GIFCT and an adviser's organization.