Outcome Document of IPA CIS, UNOCT, and ICRC Conference on Countering Use of AI for Terrorist Activities Published
03 July 2025
On 17 April 2025, the International Conference “Legislative Regulation of Measures to Counter the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Other New Technologies for Terrorist Activities” was held in St. Petersburg.
The conference was organized by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Programme Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism with the support of the Shura Council of the State of Qatar and in cooperation with the IPA CIS and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
It was attended by MPs from CIS countries and representatives of 22 international organizations, including 13 inter-parliamentary assemblies from Eurasia, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. The conference brought together more than 120 participants from national parliaments, regional and international parliamentary assemblies, and international and regional organizations.
The experts examined the challenges and opportunities posed by AI and new technologies, as well as the potential humanitarian consequences, including harm to civilians. Special attention was given to existing gaps in the current legislation.
The conference co-organizers have agreed on an outcome document.
It states that the participants collectively recognize the significant potential of AI in enhancing the effectiveness of security operations. However, its misuse by terrorists poses unprecedented legal, ethical, and operational challenges that require timely, inclusive, and coordinated responses.
The following recommendations have been formulated:
- Support the development of a rights-based, internationally aligned model legal framework to regulate the use of AI and emerging technologies in counter-terrorism efforts;
- Strengthen the capacity of national parliaments to legislate and provide oversight on AI and emerging technologies, including through technical assistance, expert consultations, and peer exchange;
- Foster inter-parliamentary dialogue to promote harmonized legislative responses and the sharing of good practices;
- Enhance cooperation between national parliaments, governments, the private sector, and research communities to ensure that innovation is balanced with risk mitigation;
- Prioritize humanitarian carve-outs and safeguards in counter-terrorism legislation to protect impartial humanitarian action and at-risk populations;
- Advance public awareness, digital literacy, and algorithmic transparency to reduce vulnerabilities and build societal resilience against AI-driven threats.
The experts intend to continue working on the development of model legislation that takes into account safety requirements, technological innovations, and respect for human rights. There are also plans to organize joint events with the participation of the UNOCT, the IPA CIS, and the ICRC.
