Developments in the field of information and telecommunications
in the context of international security
A/RES/73/27
Confirming that ICTs are dual-use technologies and can be used for both
legitimate and malicious purposes,
Expressing concern that a number of States are developing ICT capabilities for
military purposes and that the use of ICTs in future conflicts between States is
becoming more likely,
Stressing that it is in the interest of all States to promote the use of ICTs for
peaceful purposes, with the objective of shaping a community of shared future for
humankind in cyberspace, and that States also have an interest in preventing conflict
arising from the use of ICTs,
Noting that the United Nations should play a leading role in promo ting dialogue
among Member States to develop common understandings on the security of and the
use of ICTs, as well as in developing common understandings on the application of
international law and norms, rules and principles for responsible State behaviou r in
this sphere, encourage regional efforts, promote confidence -building and
transparency measures and support capacity-building and the dissemination of best
practices,
Expressing concern that embedding harmful hidden functions in ICTs could be
used in ways that would affect secure and reliable ICT use and the ICT supply chain
for products and services, erode trust in commerce and damage national security,
Considering that it is necessary to prevent the use of information resources or
technologies for criminal or terrorist purposes,
Underlining the importance of respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms in the use of ICTs,
Welcoming the effective work of the Group of Governmental Experts on
Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommu nications in the Context of
International Security and the relevant outcome reports transmitted by the Secretary General, 1
Welcoming also that, in considering the application of international law to State
use of ICTs, the Group of Governmental Experts, in its 2015 report, 2 identified as of
central importance the commitments of States to the following principles of the
Charter of the United Nations and other international law: sovereign equality; the
settlement of international disputes by peaceful means i n such a manner that
international peace and security and justice are not endangered; refraining in their
international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity
or political independence of any State, or in any other mann er inconsistent with the
purposes of the United Nations; respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;
and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States,
Confirming the conclusions of the Group of Governmental Experts, in its 2013 3
and 2015 2 reports, that international law, and in particular the Charter of the United
Nations, is applicable and essential to maintaining peace and stab ility and promoting
an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment, that voluntary and
non-binding norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviour of States in the use
of ICTs can reduce risks to international peace, security and sta bility, and that, given
the unique attributes of such technologies, additional norms can be developed
over time,
__________________
1
2
3
2/5
A/65/201, A/68/98 and A/70/174.
A/70/174.
A/68/98.
18-21207