- - - cyberspace could become a haven for technologically-minded criminals to commit criminal acts. Due to the non-centralised and anonymous nature of the internet, it is more difficult to monitor and enforce existing agreements. There is no better place than the internet for maintaining anonymity and secrecy. The technology is easily obtainable and requires minimal investment. Moreover, attribution is often problematic. This poses a major challenge in devising effective international policy, given the difficulty of monitoring eventual agreements. A sharp divide can be discerned in virtually all international discussions about cyberspace. On the one hand, you have countries (like the Netherlands) that focus on a multi-stakeholder model and on international law and that champion the protection of the integrity of the internet and the applicability of international law. On the other hand, there are more stateoriented countries that argue for more government control and limitations on the applicability of international law. Between these two extremes there is a large group of countries (‘swing states’) which have not yet taken a clear position on the issue, due to their political, economic and social interests. The Netherlands is keen to convince them that a free, open and safe internet would serve those very interests. Digital technologies are proliferating rapidly as standards of living rise and the need for connectivity grows. Nevertheless, 60% of the world’s population is not yet online and is unable to take part in the digital economy. As a result the digital gap is still large, and the advantages of the digital revolution cannot be widely shared. The digital gap affects developing countries in particular, depriving them of social and economic growth. A lack of infrastructure, political will and expertise ensures this gap remains entrenched and thus poses a threat to sustainable development. 2.4 Vision and principles On the basis of the above-mentioned international interests, threats and challenges, the government has drawn up the following vision statement: Together with the private sector, the technology community, academia and non-government organisations (NGOs), the Dutch government is committed to ensuring a safe, free and open digital domain, in which we can confront threats, protect fundamental rights and values and take full advantage of the opportunities that digitalisation offers our society. Internationally, as in the Netherlands, the nexus between growth, security and freedom is a dynamic balance that must be achieved through an ongoing, open, pragmatic dialogue between all stakeholders. The government bases its policy on the following principles: 1. The purpose of cyber policy is to create favourable conditions for the activities of government authorities, companies and individuals. Due to the transnational nature of cyberspace these conditions can only be fully fleshed out once they have been agreed internationally. 2. The Netherlands aligns itself with existing international structures, instruments (including policy instruments) and partnerships and will enhance them where necessary. 3. As with national policy, international cyber policy will be developed and implemented in accordance with the multi-stakeholder consultation model and through public-private partnerships. In so doing the government will seek the input of the private sector, the technology community, academia and NGOs. 4. The economic and social advantages associated with the internet require the ‘public core’ of the internet to function in a reliable, predictable, stable and safe way. This core possesses elements of an international public good that transcends individual sovereign and private interests. The Netherlands recognises that, given the nature of cyberspace and our dependence on it, it is necessary to exercise restraint when engaging in activities that can affect that public core. To the greatest possible extent, the responsibility for maintaining and cultivating this public core should fall to the technology community, with the state playing a supporting role. 5. Ensuring consistency between domestic and foreign policy is key. The Netherlands’ position on international matters should follow on from domestic practices, in line with the motto ‘preach what you practice’. Conversely, domestic measures that deviate from the Netherlands’ AVT17/BZ122203 5