The US Department of Justice has assembled a “dream team” to help suppress the extremist militant group ISIS on social media, CNN reports.
The group features representatives from nearly 50 different tech companies, community groups and government agencies, and includes executives from Apple, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Buzzfeed, MTV, and more.
This "dream team" met on Wednesday to discuss ideas with counter intelligence officials. CNN obtained a copy of the group’s Wednesday agenda, which entailed briefing these companies on ISIS’ messaging strategy and creating plans to offset ISIS propaganda with “counter narratives and optimistic messaging.”
It makes sense for the government to invite these tech companies, especially those running the most popular social platforms, to offer their input in helping stop ISIS’ spread online. It's also particularly interesting to see Apple participate in something like this, given the company’s ongoing battle with the FBI over the iPhone’s encryption, which has gotten particularly contentious over the past week or so. We’re not surprised Apple wants to help fight ISIS; if anything, this should tell people that Apple isn't against working with the government on important matters of national security.
