data and information under the control of its government, to be used for ICT activities that undermine national security or interests of other States. ·Protection. All States have the obligation to protect lawful rights and interests of relevant entities within their jurisdiction. They also have the obligation to promote openness and freedom of cyberspace while ensuring order, security and development. III. The Legal Status of Sovereignty in Cyberspace under International Law State sovereignty in cyberspace is a legally binding principle under international law. If a State infringes on the internal supremacy and external independence that another State enjoys on the basis of its national sovereignty over ICT-related infrastructure, entities and activities as well as relevant data and information within its territory, it is a violation of the principle of sovereignty, which will constitute a wrongful act under international law. The acts may include, among others, unauthorized penetration into the network systems in the territory or within the jurisdiction of another State, causing disruption or damage of relevant infrastructure or undermining a State’s exclusive sovereign rights in cyberspace. An ICT activity may simultaneously violate the principles of sovereignty, non-intervention in internal affairs and the prohibition of the use of force. The application of this principle to a specific set of circumstances may require certain contextualization. Fundamental Principles in the application of Sovereignty in Cyberspace I. Equality Sovereign equality as set forth in the UN Charter is the primary principle that all States should follow in the exercise of their sovereignty in cyberspace. All States, regardless of size, wealth, or strength, are equal before the law and have the right to participate on an equal footing in international cyber affairs. Each State should be treated equally, and each State is also obligated to treat others as equals. II. Fairness All States should uphold the principles of fairness and justice in cyberspace and facilitate a just and equitable global Internet governance system that reflects the wishes and interests of the majority of countries, protects the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. States should not abuse their superiority in facility, technology, system and data in the cyber domain to interfere in other States' exercise of sovereignty in cyberspace or promote unjust acts such as cyber hegemony or isolation. 3