A/74/120 Egypt also looks forward to engaging with the activities of the Group of Governmental Experts established pursuant to res olution 73/266, including the activities of collaboration with relevant regional organizations through a series of consultations. France [Original: French] [14 May 2019] 1. General appreciation of the issues of cybersecurity France wishes first to reiterate that it does not use the term “informatio n security”, preferring the terms “information systems security” or “cybersecurity”. As an active proponent of freedom of expression online (as illustrat ed by its co-sponsoring of Human Rights Council resolution 38/7 in 2018), France does not consider information as such to be a potential source of vulnerability requiring the establishment of protective measures. That belief is without prejudice to measures taken in a proportionate and transparent way, under conditions strictly established by law, in accordance with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The term “cybersecurity” is therefore more accurate, as it refers to the ability of an information system to be resilient in the face of events originating in cyberspace that may threaten the availability, integrity or confidentiality of data stored, processed or transmitted, and related services provided or made accessible by these systems. Cybersecurity uses techniques to ensure the security of information systems and strengthens the fight against cybercrime and the implementation of cyberdefence. France believes that the digital space must remain a space of freedom, exchange and growth, underpinning prosperity and progress in our societies. As previously emphasized in its national strategy for digital security 1 in 2015, France considers digital technology, through its new uses and services, to be a driver of innovation. It is engendering change in the majority of professional fields. It is transformin g industries and businesses, making them more flexible and competitive. It offers opportunities to the members of society by improving daily lives through online communications, trade and information services, as well as bringing economic opportunities, thanks to increased competition and the sharing economy. This open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful cyberspace, which France has promoted over the past three decades and which holds economic, political and social opportunities, is now threatened by the development of new destructive practices. The specificities of the digital space (including relative anonymity, low co sts and ease of access to malicious tools, easy operation and the proliferation of vulnerabilities) have allowed a number of actors to develop a digital arsenal used for espionage, illeg al trafficking, destabilization and sabotage. While some low-level threats are not matters of national security, but rather a form of crime, the use of cyberweapons against State information systems, critical infrastructure or major businesses can have serious consequences. Issues related to cybersecurity are now an integral part of the power strategies and power relationships that govern international relations; this is both a priority and a prime political issue. As highlighted in the 2017 strategic review of defence and __________________ 1 16/39 Available at www.ssi.go uv.fr/uploads/2015/10/strategie_nationale_secur ite_numerique_fr.pdf . 19-10580