UK Schools Plan To Protect Students From Extremism With Anti-Radicalization Software

British schools are going to use anti-radicalization software to keep a track of online activities of students. School administrators will monitor specific keyword searches.

The software monitors keywords like YODO (You Only Die Once) and “Jihadi bride.” The decision to monitor online activities of young Britons comes as a growing number of British Muslims are reportedly moving to Syria to get involved in militant activities. The new system is going to take full effect July 1 as the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 will require state schools to “have due regard to the need to prevent pupils being drawn into terrorism.”

The software is developed by Impero, which is testing the program across the country. The software is also being tested in the United States, where it is possible for teachers to obtain screenshots of questionable materials.

An Impero spokeswoman said that the software would help teachers identify potential threats. “The system may help teachers confirm identification of vulnerable children, or act as an early warning system to help identify children that may be at risk in future,” she told Press TV. “It also provides evidence for teachers and child protection officers to use in order to intervene and support a child in a timely and appropriate manner.”

Teachers are likely to work with law enforcement to identify vulnerable students who may be victims of radicalization. Parents and training staff also will assess them for signs of becoming influenced by extremist ideologies.

Global Post reported that the new system would turn “every British schoolchild into a potential terrorist.” It gives an example of an infamous Islamic State group terrorist. The masked militant appeared in a number of ISIS execution videos. The man, known as Jihadi John, was a “regular schoolboy” who had grown up in London.

Three software companies developing ant-radicalization software programs. Future Digital, Securus and Impero will provide clients with network management programs. The software will not only block potentially dangerous URLs but prevent people from watching adult websites as well. The developeers say the programs will ensure safety in schools and productivity in the workplace.