2021 UN GGE Report: Developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security (A/RES/76/135)

Summary


As the world’s dependence on information and communications technologies (ICTs) continues to increase, the responsible behaviour of States in the use of ICTs has become of vital importance to the maintenance of international peace and security. Pursuant to its mandate contained in General Assembly resolution 73/266, the 2019–2021 Group of Governmental Experts on Advancing Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace in the Context of International Security has continued to study, with a view to promoting common understandings and effective implementation, possible cooperative measures to address existing and potential threats in the sphere of information security.


The present report contains the Group’s findings on existing and emerging threats; norms, rules and principles for the responsible behaviour of States; international law; confidence-building measures; and international cooperation and assistance in ICT security and capacity-building. On each of these topics, the report adds a layer of understanding to the findings and recommendations of previous Groups
of Governmental Experts.

2015 UN GGE Report: Developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security (A/RES/70/174)

Report of the UN GGE 2015 (later adopted by the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/70/174), which includes:

  • Principles of State sovereignty, the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States, applies to cyberspace
  • Recognition that states must comply with their obligations under international law to respect and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms
  • Agreement that UN should play a leading role in developing common understandings on the application of international law and norms, rules and principles for responsible State behaviour
  • Other norms, rules, and principles on the responsible behaviour of States
  • Confidence-building measures
  • Invitation for international cooperation and assistance in ICT security and capacity-building