New UN Debate on Cybersecurity in the Context of International Security

Last year the UN General Assembly established two groups to study international law and norms in relation to cyberspace. The Open-Ended Working Group gathered for its first substantive meeting for two days in September. This is the first time that all UN member states were invited to discuss developments in information and communication technologies in the context of international security.

Another group of countries supported a resolution to continue the debate within the framework of a Group of Governmental Experts reporting to the secretary-general; it has not convened yet this year.

The GGE comprises experts from only 25 selected member states and includes two consultations with all member states. The OEWG, in contrast, involves the participation of all interested member states. Both groups address cyber norms, confidence-building measures and the question of how international law applies to cyberspace. The OEWG has a slightly broader mandate and also discusses existing and potential cyber threats, the establishment of a regular institutional dialogue and international concepts for securing global IT systems.