SFS Centential Labs:

1-4 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

ENROLLMENT IN THIS COURSE IS BY INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL ONLY, VIA AN APPLICATION WHICH CAN BE FOUND HERE: Radical but ostensibly lawful groups play an important role in fomenting violence and fostering a dangerous political environment. The white-supremacist Ku Klux Klan, the jihadist-oriented Al Muhajiroun and its spinoffs in Europe, and the “Incel” movement are only a few of the organizations that peddle hate and have had members involved in terrorism and political violence. Other groups, such as the followers of Insane Clown Posse (Juggalos and Juggalettes), are considered by some law enforcement entities to be gangs but are also are part of a broader cultural movement. In the United States and several other democratic countries, such groups have a right to free speech, but do they have a right to be on every Internet platform? How do Internet companies determine whom to ban and whom to permit to use their services? Are their alternatives approaches to banning content or users that technology companies should consider? What are the human rights and legal implications of these choices? These are some of the questions this course will address. The course would work with Google and the associated Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism to explore different technical, legal, and policy solutions to the problem of radical presence on the Internet. The professors would identify one or more research projects and direct a research team of 10-15 Georgetown students. The class would meet with experts in the Washington, D.C. area, have video discussions with Congressional staff, technology experts, counterterrorism officials and other relevant experts from around the world. Optional Spring Break Trip. Class members are also eligible to participate in a one-credit class (INAF 442) held over spring break to travel California to meet with experts to learn more about the problems and potential solutions. Possible visits include Google, Facebook, Palantir, and other relevant Internet companies as well as non-profits like the Anti-Defamation League that have expertise in components of these challenges. (This list is subject to change – perhaps dramatic change.) Students would gain the following from the class: 1. Learn about several radical groups and how they exploit the Internet 2. Understand the basics of the architecture of the Internet and the implications of this for policy; 3. Gain insight into the legal, policy, and political environment facing Internet companies; and 4. Develop problem-solving skills. A professional relationship and site visits would force them to apply their ideas to practical “inbox” problems facing Internet company executives, learn to present their ideas effectively, and incorporate professional feedback. This class is not open to freshman. If the class is over-subscribed, priority will be given to sophomores and juniors and to those with some knowledge of counterterrorism, technology, or other class-related issues.