Cyber Threats: A United Global Front?
One of the thorny issues presented to modern states is the issue of how to regulate cyberspace without compromising the rights of citizens whom online security measures are meant to protect.
It's no controversy to suggest that no state has yet to get the balance quite right―and some have failed miserably―such are the velocity and fluidity of information environments. Two recent statements by leading international officials may herald the beginning of a period in which we will see rapidly how these difficulties scale globally.
Yesterday, Hamadoun Touré, head of the International Communication Union (ITU)―the United Nations' ICT agency―stated that by the end of 2010, the UN hoped to have in place 'a global agreement with every country to protect its citizens online, not to harbor cyberterrorists, and not to start an online attack'. This is a complex undertaking, and one that I doubt will result in a single agreement, or at least not one with any teeth.
The problems posed by internet fraud and the like are not the same as cyberterrorism, and are substantially different from the kind of inter-state warfare suggested by the banning of first cyber strikes. Each field has its own peculiarities, and although the member nations could sign a protocol signalling global goodwill across the piece, any real action is going to require a much more granular, yet muscular, approach.
Having said that, in a speech to the UN General Assembly on 25 September, Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves had this to say about securing the future of cyberspace:
Our long-term aim should be the creation of a universal cyber culture – a universally accessible, secure and safe environment for all.
This would seem to be exactly the sort of outcome on which the UN should remain focused when drafting the agreement(s) of which Touré spoke.
There are probably too many constraints on the UN for them not to keep this is mind but in the current climate of panic and over-reaction to so-called 'cyber threats', a cool head is required.
Keeping your eyes on the prize is one condition of being an effective broker in any situation and we can but hope that forthcoming UN initiatives are harnessed to a proper strategic vision. Rather that than bowing to short-term tactical gains that result in long-term degradation of one of mankind's most valuable social and economic resources.
Introduction
FREErad!cals is the ICSR blog. It's a forum for debate and fresh ideas on radicalisation and political violence. It features some of the most innovative, young thinkers, discussing radicals and radicalisation. They are looking at how the challenge has been understood, and how it should be addressed.
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