Brussels, Belgium, October 2018 – Efus took part in the workshop on the topic of “Innovative market solutions” organised by the MEDI@4SEC project, of which it is a partner, that focused on the most recent technological innovations in the ICT sector and their implications on security, on 26 September in Brussels (BE). Apart from the workshop itself, which gathered about 60 attendees from some 20 European countries, MEDI@4SEC hosted an “Industry Day” where solution providers and current European-funded projects could showcase their solutions and prototypes.
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> How social media has revolutionised both public authority interventions and criminal activities
Innovation in social media has revolutionised the work of public authorities but also increased the pace with which criminals adapt to modern technologies whilst disrupting markets. The aim of the “Innovative Market Solutions Workshop” and the adjacent “Industry Day” was to reveal upcoming trends in tools for public authorities and to create a platform for discussion between practitioners and solution providers.
For law enforcement agencies and other security stakeholders, social media is used for monitoring suspicious content, intelligence gathering as well as engagement with the public. In day-to-day policing, social media has disrupted markets and operationally how public authorities function.
> Citizens empowered via social media to report crime
Citizens have been empowered, through social media, to investigate crimes, identify criminals and report to public authorities. The use of social media and social platforms as hubs for information sharing about certain incidents, criminal acts and suspects between citizens and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) has radically changed the interface between LEAs and citizens.
The monitoring of social media and platforms has proven an effective measure for public authorities to extend their reach and gather intelligence beyond traditional means. The amount of data that advanced tools and solutions can nowadays process were, only five years ago, unimaginable. However, such monitoring is not without its challenges. Individuals’ privacy can be undermined and in certain cases it may lead to discrimination including retaliatory actions from public authorities on certain groups.
> Drawing up recommandations for the European Commission
As the end of the MEDI@4SEC is nearing (it will conclude in December), the project will now draft recommendations for the European Commission on how to best use social media for public security while preserving the right to privacy and fundamental liberties.
Efus will continue the work started with this project through its new working group “Innovation and Security”, which is open to all members as well as the private sector and civil society organisations.
Watch here the video presenting the MEDI@4SEC project
If you’re interested in joining the “Innovation and Security” working group, please contact Myassa Djebara (djebara@efus.eu) or Pilar De La Torre (delatorre@efus.eu)
