OSCE expand list of confidence-building measures

The OSCE’s 57 participating states have adopted Decision No. 1201 that expands the organisation’s list of confidence-building measures (CBMs) to reduce the risks of conflict stemming from the use of ICT. The new measures build on the first round of CBMs adopted in 2013, adding five more measures that encourage cooperation in critical infrastructure protection, responsible reporting on vulnerabilities in ICT systems and cooperation to address them, public-private partnerships and the involvement of the private sector, academia, centres of excellence, and civil society in cybersecurity measures. In addition, the Decision recognises the efforts of the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts, suggesting that the OSCE CBMs should complement them and avoid duplication.