A/76/187
The Strategy identifies three main pillars, namely, values, security and prosperity,
to guide Australia’s international cyber and critical technology engagement:
(a) Values. Australia will always pursue a values-based approach to
cyberspace and critical technology and oppose efforts to use technologies to
undermine these values;
(b) Security. Australia will always support international peace and stability
and secure, trusted and resilient technology;
(c) Prosperity. Australia will always advocate for cyberspace and technology
to foster sustainable economic growth and development to enhance prosperity.
On 6 August 2020, Australia also released its Cyber Security Strategy 2020 to
achieve a more secure online world for Australians, their businesses and the essential
services upon which Australia depends (www.homeaffairs.gov.au/cyber-securitysubsite/files/cyber-security-strategy-2020.pdf).
Framework of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace
As States increasingly exert power and influence in cyberspace, Australia
considers it important that there be clear rules in place. Cumulatively, the reports of
the Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and
Telecommunications in the Context of International Security of 2 010 (A/65/201),
2013 (A/68/98) and 2015 (A/70/174) affirm that existing international law is
applicable and essential to maintaining peace and stability in cyberspace. The reports
also articulate 11 voluntary, non-binding norms of responsible State behaviour, while
recognizing the need for confidence-building measures and coordinated capacitybuilding. Combined, international law, norms, confidence-building measures and
capacity-building provide the basis for a secure, stable and prosperous cyberspace
and are often referred to as a framework for responsible State behaviour.
Australia has been actively engaged in two recent United Nations processes
considering responsible State behaviour in cyberspace that concluded in 2021: the
sixth Group of Governmental Experts (see A/76/135) and the Open-Ended Working
Group (see A/75/816), which reaffirm and build upon this framework.
Australia reaffirms its commitment to act in accordance with the cumulative
reports of the Group of Governmental Experts of 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2021
(A/65/201, A/68/98 and A/70/174) and the report of the Open-ended Working Group
(A/75/816).
International law
Australia’s position on how international law applies to State conduct in
cyberspace is presented in a series of documents: Australia’s 2017 International Cyber
Engagement Strategy (www.internationalcybertech.gov.au/about/2017-InternationalCyber-Engagement-Strategy),
the
2019
International
Law
Supplement
(https://www.internationalcybertech.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-11/2019%20Legal
%20Supplment_0.PDF), case studies on the application of international law in
cyberspace published in February 2020 (https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/
files/australias-oewg-non-paper-case-studies-on-the-application-of-international-lawin-cyberspace.pdf), Australia’s International Cyber and Critical Technology
Engagement Strategy 2021 and Australia’s submission on international law to be
annexed to the report of the 2021 Group of Governmental Experts on Advancing
Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace in the Context of Internationa l Security
(publication pending).
21-10045
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