A/70/174
Foreword by the Secretary-General
Few technologies have been as powerful as information and communications
technologies (ICTs) in reshaping economies, societies and international relations .
Cyberspace touches every aspect of our lives. The benefits are enormous, but these
do not come without risk. Making cyberspace stable and secure can be achieved
only through international cooperation, and the foundation of this cooperation must
be international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations .
The present report contains recommendations developed by governmental
experts from 20 States to address existing and emerging threats from uses of ICTs,
by States and non-State actors alike, that may jeopardize international peace and
security. The experts have built on consensus reports issued in 2010 and 2013, and
offer ideas on norm-setting, confidence-building, capacity-building and the
application of international law.
Among the complex issues that have emerged is the growing malicious use of
ICTs by extremists, terrorists and organized criminal groups. The present report
provides suggestions that can help to address this worrisome trend and contribute to
the formulation of my forthcoming plan of action on preventing violent extremism.
All States have a stake in making cyberspace more secure. Our efforts in this
realm must uphold the global commitment to foster an open, safe and peaceful
Internet. In that spirit, I commend the present report to the General Assembly and to
a wide global audience as a crucial contribution to the vital effort to sec ure the ICT
environment.
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