Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction 

• • Briefly introduce the concept of commercially available technologies and their increasing accessibility to non-state actors, such as terrorists, violent extremists, and criminal organizations.
  • Mention that while these technologies offer numerous benefits, their misuse poses significant security threats.

2. Risks Associated with the Use of Commercially Available Technologies 

• • Digital Platforms: Discuss how social media and cryptocurrency platforms are exploited by non-state actors for activities such as recruitment, spreading propaganda, inciting violence, and financing terrorism. Example: ISIS used social media for global recruitment.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Explain how AI tools, which are now easily accessible, can be used by non-state actors for cyber-attacks, misinformation, or operational efficiency. Example: In 2022, ISIS reportedly utilized AI for operational purposes.
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS): Mention how drones are employed for surveillance, carrying explosives, and conducting attacks. Example: Cross-border drone attacks on India for illicit weapon smuggling.
  • 3D Printing: Describe how 3D printing allows the covert production of weapons or other harmful devices. Example: Non-state actors use 3D printing to create guns.
  • Tracking Devices: Highlight how devices like smartphones or smartwatches are used for tracking shipments involved in illicit activities such as drug trafficking. Example: Tracking devices are used to monitor illegal shipments in real-time.

3. Global Measures to Address These Risks 

• • UN Initiatives: Discuss the UN’s efforts, such as the collaboration between the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute on responsible AI usage for peace and security.
  • Financial Action Task Force (FATF): Mention FATF’s regulation of cryptocurrencies and its global standards to prevent their misuse in terrorism financing and money laundering.
  • Global Coalition for Digital Safety: Explain the role of this initiative in fostering public-private cooperation to combat harmful online content and improve digital safety.
  • UNSC Counter-Terrorism Efforts: Outline the UNSC’s counter-terrorism measures, including UNSC Resolution 2617 (2021), which addresses the misuse of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) by terrorists.

4. Conclusion 

• • Summarize the importance of coordinated global efforts to combat the misuse of commercially available technologies by non-state actors.
  • Emphasize the need for proactive security measures to mitigate risks and ensure global stability.

Relevant Facts for the Answer

1. Digital Platforms:
   • Social media platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges have been exploited by terrorists for propaganda, recruitment, and financing. The Islamic State, for instance, used platforms to recruit and radicalize individuals worldwide.
2. AI Misuse:
   • In 2022, ISIS utilized AI-powered tools like ChatGPT to strengthen its operations and propaganda. AI tools can enable non-state actors to engage in cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, and operational planning.
3. Drones:
   • Drones are increasingly used by non-state actors for surveillance and to carry explosive payloads. India has faced threats from drones smuggling illicit weapons from across its borders.
4. 3D Printing:
   • Non-state actors can use 3D printing to create firearms and other weapons covertly. This reduces the traceability of illegal weapons and allows non-state actors to bypass traditional law enforcement measures.
5. Tracking Devices:
   • Devices like mobile phones and GPS trackers are used for monitoring illegal shipments in real-time. These technologies have been exploited for drug trafficking and human trafficking activities.

Global Measures:

1. UN Office for Disarmament Affairs:
   • The UN, in collaboration with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, is working on initiatives to ensure the responsible use of AI for peace and security.
2. FATF:
   • The FATF has issued global standards for cryptocurrency regulation to prevent its use for money laundering and terrorist financing. These standards aim to bring greater transparency to the digital financial ecosystem.
3. Global Coalition for Digital Safety:
   • This coalition focuses on enhancing digital safety by encouraging collaboration between governments, tech companies, and civil society to curb harmful online content and improve regulatory practices.
4. UNSC Resolution 2617:
   • UNSC Resolution 2617 (2021) recognizes the increasing threat posed by drones (UAS) in the hands of non-state actors and emphasizes the need for countermeasures to address this risk.