NEW DELHI: India joined France, New Zealand, Canada and several other countries on Wednesday in launching a major initiative in Paris to combat terrorism and extremism online and secure the internet. The initiative -- ' Christchurch call to action' -- was named after the New Zealand city where 51 people were killed in an attack on mosques, officials said. "A free, open and secure internet is a powerful tool by which to promote connectivity, enhance social inclusiveness and foster economic growth," the declaration on Christchurch call to action said.It said the internet is, however, not immune from abuse by terrorist and violent extremist actors, and there was a need for collective efforts globally to secure the internet from terror groups. "This was tragically highlighted by the terrorist attacks of 15 March 2019 on the Muslim community of Christchurch - terrorist attacks that were designed to go viral. "All action on this issue must be consistent with principles of a free, open and secure internet, without compromising human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression.

Source: Economic Times May 15, 2019 16:52 UTC