New counter-terrorism orders for youths could restrict online activity

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the proposed orders could include measures to restrict online activity or require co-operation with the Prevent counter-extremism programme. “The Government therefore intends to introduce youth diversion orders – a new counter-terrorism risk management tool specifically designed for young people, building on recommendations from Jonathan Hall KC. Police will be able to apply to the courts for a youth diversion order, permitting them – in partnership with other agencies – to intervene earlier Yvette Cooper “Police will be able to apply to the courts for a youth diversion order, permitting them – in partnership with other agencies – to intervene earlier and to impose conditions such as engagement with Prevent interventions or restrictions on online activity. “The courts must deem these conditions to be necessary and proportionate to mitigate terrorist risk.” The Home Office said Islamist terrorism remains the primary threat, followed by extreme right-wing terrorism, and the overall threat picture is changing to include a growing number of young people radicalised online who do not align with a particular ideology but instead have fixations with violence.