Google Gathers Former Extremists in Think Tank Summit

Google may be known for its wide-ranging products, but there's more to the company than its websites and services. It running a blossoming charitable and environmental organization over at Google.org, it's investing heavily in green energy, and has recently launched a think tank, Google Ideas, to tackle some of the big issues of the world.

Now, the first big result of the think tank is an interesting summit in Dublin, Ireland, which is now underway and which will bring together individuals, non-government organizations, agencies and so on, to discuss on the issue of violent extremism in all of its forms, from city gangs to suicide bombers.

"Why does a 13-year old boy in a tough neighborhood in South Central LA join a gang? Why does a high school student in a quiet, Midwestern American town sign on neo-Nazis who preach white supremacy?," asks Jared Cohen, Director of Google Ideas.

"Why does a young woman in the Middle East abandon her family and future and become a suicide bomber?," he continues.

Google has gotten together 80 former extremists, who have now turned to fight against the issue along, with other interested parties for the three-day summit.

"In order to advance our understanding, Google Ideas is today convening the Summit Against Violent Extremism, bringing together former gang members, right-wing extremists, jihadists and militants in Dublin for three days of debates and workshops," he announced.

"All these 'formers' have rejected violence and are working for groups recognized by governments and law enforcement that fight extremism," he explained.

Google doesn't expect any major breakthroughs or ideal solutions to come out the summit, rather it wants to get the ball rolling and start a discussion on how technology help against the radicalization of individuals. Whatever ideas and conclusions will surface from the summit though, will be included in a study which Google says will be made available later this year.