A/69/112
I. Introduction
1.
On 27 December 2013, the General Assembly adopted resolution 68/243
entitled “Developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the
context of international security”. In paragraph 3 of the resolution, the Assembly
invited all Member States, taking into account the assessments and
recommendations contained in the report of the Group of Governmental Experts on
Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of
International Security (A/68/98), to continue to inform the Secretary-General of
their views and assessments on the following questions:
(a)
General appreciation of the issues of information security;
(b) Efforts taken at the national level to strengthen information security and
promote international cooperation in this field;
(c)
The content of the concepts mentioned in paragraph 2 of the resolution;
(d) Possible measures that could be taken by the international community to
strengthen information security at the global level.
2.
Pursuant to that request, on 19 February 2014, a note verbale was sent to
Member States inviting them to provide information on the subject. The replies
received are contained in section II below. Any additional replies received will be
issued as addenda to the present report.
II. Replies received from Governments
Australia
[Original: English]
[30 May 2014]
In Australia’s view, existing international law provides the framework for State
behaviour in cyberspace and for appropriate responses to unlawful online activity
pursued by States. This includes, where applicable, international humanitarian law,
law regarding the use of force, international human rights law and international law
regarding State responsibility. Any new or additional norms for State behaviour in
cyberspace must be developed consistent with international law.
The consensus report of the Group of Governmental Experts on Developments
in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International
Security (A/68/98) made a significant contribution to the guidance of States by
affirming that international law, and in particular the Charter of the United Nations,
is applicable to States’ use of cyberspace and essential to maintaining peace and
stability. Australia considers this finding to be of fundamental significance.
Australia believes that States should, individually and collectively, reiterate publicly
their understanding that international law applies to States ’ behaviour in cyberspace
and their commitment to act in cyberspace in accordance with their understanding of
international law.
The report recognized the need for further discussion and articulation of how
international law applies to States’ use of cyberspace and recommended further
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