Counter Terrorism Policing has highlighted the role of online intelligence in preventing attacks, as part of a new podcast episode featuring a specialist working in the field.
The latest episode of the Inside Counter Terrorism Policing series focuses on an officer identified as “Grace”, who manages a unit responsible for monitoring and acting on reports of extremist content online.
Grace works within the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit, which processes public reports of suspected extremist material and works with platforms to remove illegal content. According to Counter Terrorism Policing, the unit plays a role in identifying threats and disrupting activity before it escalates.
The episode outlines how intelligence submitted by a member of the public was used to help prevent an attack overseas, illustrating how online reporting can feed into wider counter-terror investigations.
Grace’s career has included involvement in responses to major incidents, including the 2017 attacks in London and Manchester, before moving into her current role focused on digital intelligence and prevention.
The podcast also emphasises the importance of public reporting, with authorities continuing to encourage individuals to flag suspicious online activity through official channels.
Her episode is available on Acast, Spotify and Apple.
If you want to catch up with the rest of the series, here’s a reminder of the episodes so far:
- Clara (out now): From hostage negotiator to hostile environments
- Tom (out now): from diffusing bombs in warzones to keeping the streets of London safe
- Jenna (out now): what it’s like working with convicted terrorists in the community
- Grace (out now): Thwarting attacks through online intelligence
- Alex (out on 9 April): from city lawyer to national security incidents
Also very useful for combating blasphemy.
Yup.