A/70/172
I. Introduction
1.
On 2 December 2014, the General Assembly adopted resolution 69/28, 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 informati on security and
to promote international cooperation in that 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 2 February 2015, a note verbale was sent to all
Member States inviting them to provide information on the subject. The replies
received at the time of reporting are contained in section II. Any additional replies
received will be issued as addenda to the present report.
II. Replies received from Governments
Canada
[Original: English]
[4 June 2015]
Cyberspace has enhanced social interaction and transformed industries and
Governments, and continues to be an engine of economic growth, innovation and
social development. It has also introduced new threats and challenges to our society.
Canada reiterates the clear affirmation by States in the report of 2013 of the
Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and
Telecommunications in the Context of International Security of the applicability of
international law in cyberspace as the cornerstone of norms and principles of
responsible behaviour of States, and it encourages future work on peacetime norms.
Canada also believes that addressing the security of information and
communications technology must go hand-in-hand with respect for human rights
and fundamental freedoms. The same rights that people have offline must also be
protected online.
Canada is committed to a free, open and secure Internet by means of the
following:
(a) Implementing the cybersecurity strategy and action plan of Canada
remains at the forefront of our efforts at the national level. Those help to secure the
cybersystems of Canada and protect Canadians online through active engagement
with major critical infrastructure sectors (e.g. finance, transportation and energy);
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