New Zealand transforms Christchurch Call into tech-supported NGO

New Zealand has made a significant shift in its approach to combating terrorist and violent extremist content (TVEC) online, transitioning the Christchurch Call to Action into a non-governmental organisation. Launched in response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, where the perpetrator live-streamed the violence on social media, the Call initially united governments, tech companies, and civil society to pledge 25 commitments aimed at curbing such content. In a strategic move, New Zealand has relinquished direct funding, now relying on contributions from tech giants like Meta and Microsoft to sustain its operations.

The decision reflects a broader strategy to preserve the Call’s multistakeholder model, which is essential for navigating complex global internet challenges without governmental dominance. That model mirrors successful precedents like the Internet Engineering Task Force and ICANN, which are pivotal to today’s internet infrastructure. By fostering consensus among diverse stakeholders, the Call aims to uphold free expression while effectively addressing the spread of TVEC online.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, now leading the Call as its Patron, faces the challenge of enhancing its legitimacy and impact. With new funding avenues secured, efforts will focus on expanding stakeholder participation, raising awareness, and holding parties accountable to their commitments. The initiative must also adapt to emerging threats, such as extremists’ misuse of generative AI tools, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in combating evolving forms of online extremism.