In this episode of the Security Insider podcast, we explore the issues surrounding the challenges of social media and artificial intelligence, specifically in the context of online radicalisation. How are these tools being used by extremist groups to target and radicalise at-risk individuals? Why has online radicalisation risen in recent years? What can be done to prevent this type of activity, and how might we recognise and address potential victims of online radicalisation in our own organisations? 

We are joined by Paul Ash, chief executive of the Christchurch Call Foundation, and Dr Nicole Matejic to help us better understand these challenges.

Paul has extensive experience in public policy, including the cyber, digital, and security sectors. In addition to his role as Chief Executive of the Christchurch Call Foundation, he serves as a member of the Aspen Global Cybersecurity Group with the Aspen Institute, one of the world’s leading think tanks on a wide range of topics, including security and global affairs. He was the New Zealand Government representative on the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism and has had a long and illustrious career in government, including 21 years with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, where he served as a Diplomat, Deputy Director of the International Security Disarmament Division and a Senior Policy officer, amongst other roles, before becoming the director of National Cyber Policy, Director, National Security Policy and then the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Cyber and Digital security. 

In addition to being an Author & National Security focused Behavioural Economist, Dr Nicole Matejic is the Principal Strategic Advisor at The Christchurch Call Foundation. She is also an adjunct Lecturer on Terrorism and National Security at Charles Sturt University and a partner at Immuto Group, where she focuses on National Security and Sovereign Risk. Her books include Social Media, Rules of Engagement, and The Hate Economy - The Lies People Sell That Lead to Violence.