Ethics and data protection have been found to be a key, yet often missing aspect in P/CVE approaches. In a recent article, our partners from AGENFOR explore the ethical and social implications of CVE policies in Europe, considering the experience of national programmes, criticisms, and controversial profiling issues. Through an analysis of several different consequences of CVE policies, a research question is raised: What is the impact of preventive measures in the absence of crime?

Over the last decade, academia and lawmakers have been debating the so-called pre-crime space and asking to what extent preventive measures in absence of crime may be considered legitimate. The term pre-crime seems to have been coined by American science fiction novelist Philip K. Dick to describe a predictive policing system dedicated to apprehending and detaining people before they have the opportunity to commit a crime. This concept may sound like merely a fictional tool, but it was applied to counter terrorism policy, to prevent radicalisation towards violent extremism. The pre-crime theory was developed following different patterns in each country or organisation. Some of the approaches have promoted interventions aimed at counselling and supporting vulnerable people at risk of radicalisation. In this case, actions undertaken by CVE stakeholders tend to avoid the criminalisation of those involved and focus on prevention strategies.

Continue reading the article and explore the limits between freedom of speech and criminal behaviour, adopted mechanisms to classify individuals, unintended consequences, unethical practices and more…

Source: AGENFOR International Foundation