MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS Chapter 1- Introduction At world level it is acknowledged that digital technologies and the information and communication technologies (ICT) in particular are catalyzers of economic, social and cultural development, since they facilitate access to immeasurable resources; and besides communication, they promote innovation, efficiency, transparency and economic prosperity of countries. Aware of that Costa Rica has opted for a strong promotion of the use of ICT, to enhance national development, strengthening the valid regulatory framework, to promote the development and use of telecommunications/ICT services within the framework of the information and knowledge society and to support sectors such as health, citizen security, education, culture, commerce and electronic government. Similarly, public policy has been aimed at fostering the incorporation of digital technologies, in public as private services alike, improving the efficiency of those rendering these services a n d searching to l o w er costs for t h ose receiving them. Additionally, it enhances investment i n t h e telecommunications sector, w ith a l e g a l f r a mework establishing in their principles the guarantee of transparency, non-discrimination, equity, legal security, technological neutrality, and training of human resources in the area of ICT. The results of these actions are reflected in the improvement of the national indicators for access and use of technologies. Moreover, in the international map, Costa Rica continues to grow in the international classifications based on its development. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) on its 2014-2015 report, the country shows a very steady profile based on its tradition assets despite suffering from some persistent weaknesses. It has been reported that the country is well-positioned to participate in a quick transition to knowledge-based activities. The country has one of the best educational systems of Latin America and the Caribbean (the 21st position). The report also notes Costa Rica has a high assimilation of ICT (45th position) with a high capacity of International Internet bandwidth (36th position); many mobile broadband subscriptions (20th position); and developed innovative capacity (36th position) and solid access to technology (39th position), owing to the relevant role of foreign direct investment (FDI) and technology transfer (5th position) in the country.1 However, with the high rates of Internet connectivity and access to ICT, as well as the generation and massive storage of sensitive data, arise risks and vulnerabilities exposing people, the corporate sector and the government too. Users who access the net with illicit purposes have taken advantage of this reality. Proof of this the increasingly sophisticated means to hide their -9www.micitt.go.cr