Search engine to combat terror

The Belgian government is seeking to bolster the investigative capacity of the federal police and intelligence services, which is why it is investing 22 million euros in a search engine that not only detects leads on radicalism and indications of terror threats on websites, but on social media as well. “The four-year contract includes both the purchase and maintenance of the software”, says Minister of Defence Steven Vandeput.

“To a large extent, online searches about suspicious statements or persons are still conducted manually”, the minister explains. “The purchase of this search engine represents significant headway; moreover because the information found can now be more easily shared.”

Within a period of one to two years, three government departments will be able to get started using the new tool: State Security, the army’s intelligence wing (ADIV), and the federal police. Each department will be able to use the search engine for its own purposes. However, because it involves a single, shared system, it increases efficiency and opens up opportunities for collaboration.