extremism, shaping policy at international, regional and national levels, and taking action in seven priority areas, many of which this project’s recommendations resonate with. More specifically, and building in part on the outcome of the GNI policy dialogue, efforts should be stepped up to ensure that: - - Governments protect and respect human rights when developing, implementing, and enforcing laws and policies meant to address terrorist and extremist content online. Government legal demands to restrict content for the purpose of protecting public safety are pursuant to the rule of law. They should respect and protect freedom of expression and privacy, and be directed at creators of content, rather than intermediaries, whenever possible. Resources are invested in demonstrating how public and private efforts relating to either restricting content or countering narratives contribute to the longer-term prevention of terrorism and violent extremism. 3.5 Establish a Global Mechanism for Knowledge and Information Sharing Develop a global knowledge portal/repository for sharing and providing access to information on international standards and principles, corporate policy and terms of service, guidelines, good practices, information on existing initiatives (inter-governmental initiatives such as the EU Internet Platform, multi-stakeholder initiatives such as the GNI, initiatives led by international and regional organisations), and sample government policy and legislation. 3.6 Invest in Policy-Relevant Research Strengthen mechanisms aimed at facilitating reciprocal exchanges between the private sector and academia, particularly on trends and emerging issues. 3.7 Build Capacity and Raise Awareness Develop tools and mechanisms for capacity building and awareness raising, especially focused on small and medium size technology and social media companies (but also targeting business and law schools, law firms, and civil society groups). 3.8 Invest in Critical Thinking and Media Literacy Strengthen and promote digital literacy and critical thinking skills to prevent and counter violent extremism leading to terrorism, including by building the technical capability of civil society and media development organizations, religious and community leaders, women, youth, and other credible voices to promote alternative messages and to challenge terrorist propaganda online. 4. Next Steps This project has demonstrated the willingness and openness of private companies to engage in discussions with the UN and other stakeholders on the steps they are taking to respond to terrorist use of their products and services and the numerous challenges they 11