A/RES/53/70 Page 2 Noting that the dissemination and use of information technologies and means affect the interests of the entire international community and that optimum effectiveness is enhanced by broad international cooperation, Expressing concern that these technologies and means can potentially be used for purposes that are inconsistent with the objectives of maintaining international stability and security and may adversely affect the security of States, Considering that it is necessary to prevent the misuse or exploitation of information resources or technologies for criminal or terrorist purposes, 1. Calls upon Member States to promote at multilateral levels the consideration of existing and potential threats in the field of information security; 2. Invites all Member States to inform the Secretary-General of their views and assessments on the following questions: (a) General appreciation of the issues of information security; (b) Definition of basic notions related to information security, including unauthorized interference with or misuse of information and telecommunications systems and information resources; (c) Advisability of developing international principles that would enhance the security of global information and telecommunications systems and help to combat information terrorism and criminality; 3. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session; 4. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its fifty-fourth session an item entitled “Developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security”. 79th plenary meeting 4 December 1998