Now officially labeled a terror attack, the shootings in San Bernardino are heightening concerns about the many ways digital technology and the internet is emboldening those with extreme ideologies – especially when it comes to communication and recruitment.

The President himself raised these concerns in his speech to the nation on Sunday and challenged the tech industry to take action – although the specifics of that action are still unclear. “I will urge high-tech and law enforcement leaders to make it harder for terrorists to use technology to escape from justice,” The President said.

Former Secretary of State and current Presidential Candidate Hilary Clinton came out even stronger during her recent appearance on ABC’s “This Week” and at several other appearances since the attack. She specifically called on companies like Facebook, Google and Twitter to take action against against terrorists on the internet and “deny them online space.”

Clinton led the chorus calling on industry and government to come together to address concerns over encrypted apps and software. Many claiming that the tools designed to protect people online are providing too much cover to terrorists and others attempting to use the web for criminal purposes.

It’s more complicated with some of what [ISIS does] on encrypted apps and I’m well aware of that. That requires even more thinking. -Hillary Clinton, Presidential Candidate

Of course, this type of debate raises concerns about the open nature of the internet and possible threats to freedom of speech online. The industry understands these concerns and is offering its own proposals – most short of offering investigators a backdoor into encrypted communication of its users. Facebook is pledging to scrub feeds for posts promoting violence and cancel any account behind such activity. Meanwhile, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt urged action as well, without mentioning the hot topic of encryption.

We should build tools to help de-escalate tensions on social media — sort of like spell-checkers, but for hate and harassment. We should target social accounts for terrorist groups like the Islamic State, and remove videos before they spread, or help those countering terrorist messages to find their voice. – Eric Schmidt, Google Chairman

So for now, the tech industry is holding the line. Supporting the efforts to weed out terror and violence – while trying to protect the freedoms of an open internet. But, will they be able to continue this position after the next violent attack?

What do you think? Share your comments.