Cyber issues in Joint Communiqué at G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
The Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union have presented a Joint Communiqué at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Hiroshima, Japan, ‘to address a number of major international issues that impact global peace, security and prosperity.’ The Communiqué makes several references to Internet governance issues:
- In the context of terrorism, it highlights the ‘threat posed by the use of the internet and Social Networking Services (SNSs) by terrorists’ and stresses ‘the need for continued cooperation with the private sector, civil society and communities in investigating, disrupting and prosecuting terrorists’ illegal activities online while respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.’
- It emphasises the importance of an ‘open, free and secure cyberspace and the promotion of human rights online as well as offline.
- It reaffirms the commitment to a multistakeholder approach to IG.
- It commits to using ICTs in addressing global issues, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- It stresses the applicability of existing international law to cyberspace and welcomes the 4th UNGGE report
- It commits to cooperation among the G7 members in ‘promoting the rule of law in cyberspace, capacity building, confidence building, and the fight against cybercrime.’
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