Led by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, it encourages governments to tackle extremist content.
The initiative focuses on extremist content that surfaces online and on social media platforms.
It’s been made in response to a terror attack that was live-streamed on Facebook.
The initiative was announced by Jacinda Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday.
Governments from Sweden, India, Austria and Germany have also signed up.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured, centre) has gained the support of France and the UK with the Christchurch Call. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
In March, two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch was attacked, leaving 51 people dead.
“Sickening attacks on Muslim worshippers”
Another country joining in support is the UK.
“The sickening attacks on Muslim worshippers in Christchurch shocked the world,” said Mrs May on Wednesday.
“That 1.5 million copies of the video had to be removed by Facebook […] is a stark reminder that we need to do more both to remove this content and stop it going online in the first place,” continued the prime minister.
As well as Ardern, it was spearheaded by French President Emmanuel Macron.
They joined political and industry leaders in Paris on Wednesday to launch the action.
The text of the initiative outlines “collective, voluntary commitments” from governments and internet companies.
In addition to their support, they pledge to “expressly prohibit the distribution of terrorist and violent extremist content”.
“My message to governments and internet companies in Paris will be that we must work together.”
Theresa May, British Prime Minister
Also, the firms will develop crisis protocols to respond to terror attacks and publish “transparency reports” which detect and remove violent extremist content.
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HeadlineUS turns down social media Christchurch Call
Short HeadlineUS declines Christchurch Call
StandfirstThe UK has already pledged its support to tackle extremist material on social media
The United States has declined to join an international initiative tackling online extremism.
Citing the need for freedom of speech, the White House said it wasn’t in a “position to join” the Christchurch Call.
Despite declining the offer, on social media, the White House said it’s “fighting for free speech online”.
The Trump Administration is fighting for free speech online.
Led by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, it encourages governments to tackle extremist content.
The initiative focuses on extremist content that surfaces online and on social media platforms.
It’s been made in response to a terror attack that was live-streamed on Facebook.
The initiative was announced by Jacinda Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday.
Governments from Sweden, India, Austria and Germany have also signed up.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured, centre) has gained the support of France and the UK with the Christchurch Call. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
In March, two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch was attacked, leaving 51 people dead.
“Sickening attacks on Muslim worshippers”
Another country joining in support is the UK.
“The sickening attacks on Muslim worshippers in Christchurch shocked the world,” said Mrs May on Wednesday.
“That 1.5 million copies of the video had to be removed by Facebook […] is a stark reminder that we need to do more both to remove this content and stop it going online in the first place,” continued the prime minister.
As well as Ardern, it was spearheaded by French President Emmanuel Macron.
They joined political and industry leaders in Paris on Wednesday to launch the action.
The text of the initiative outlines “collective, voluntary commitments” from governments and internet companies.
In addition to their support, they pledge to “expressly prohibit the distribution of terrorist and violent extremist content”.
“My message to governments and internet companies in Paris will be that we must work together.”
Theresa May, British Prime Minister
Also, the firms will develop crisis protocols to respond to terror attacks and publish “transparency reports” which detect and remove violent extremist content.
A 2024 Freedom of Information request showed Bromley Council had £4.5 million invested in arms companies that year with £1.5 million reportedly linked to Israel.
Undercover officers raided three linked shops in Barking town centre, revealing how illicit tobacco is being hidden in walls, ceilings and nearby locations to evade detection.
More than 330,000 people across the UK sought support from the Stop It Now helpline in 2025 over concerns about their own or someone else’s online sexual behaviour towards children, according to new charity data. The anonymous service says contacts by phone, email and webchat rose significantly over the year.