Policy Statement 2: The policy will ensure that Government develops laws and institutional framework to govern the use of electronic evidence, and to coordinate development and utilisation of ICTs in Malawi. 3.8. PROMOTING NATIONAL SECURITY Globalization and pervasiveness of crime and other security challenges have brought perverse tendencies which are threats to national security. Malawi needs to establish adequate capacity to deal with national security, violation of human rights, undesirable impacts of ICTs including the violation of privacy, spread of undesirable materials, cyber-crimes, digital frauds and terrorism. Surveillance and readiness of security agencies require the use of specialized skills and ICTs. Policy Statement 1: Government shall create statutory obligations for ICT service providers to address security needs of the country. Policy Statement 2: Government shall enhance the capacity of security agencies to be up to date with developments in the ICT sector, including cyber crimes. Policy Statement 3: Government shall use ICTs to provide early warnings to mitigate risks and impact of disasters and facilitate relief management. Policy Statement 4: Government shall promote the use of ICTs to mitigate crimes and enhance public security. Policy Statement 5: Government shall establish mechanisms for cooperation with international security agencies to combat cross-border crimes. 3.9. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ICT is the key element in the globalisation process. Countries cannot operate in isolation and close cooperation between different countries is of great importance. In accordance with the existing foreign policy, the Government of Malawi will therefore, consolidate the existing regional and international relationships in the ICT sector and establish new ones where they do not exist. Policy Statement 1: Government shall ensure that Malawi is a major and regular player in the regional and international ICT committees and increase the level of participation in regional and international ICT fora. 12