The discussions centered around the relationship between security and freedom with different perspectives from different interest groups: business, communication sector, defense, private citizens and international organizations. Is there a contradiction between freedom and security, or are they rather interdependent? The discussions landed in a general consensus that there is no security without freedom and no freedom without security.
- The world is not ready for intergovernmental regulations, i.a. a Cyber Treaty. Before regulating we need to clearly define the threats and who to protect. Dangerous to carve regulations in stone when technology is constantly developing.
- The biggest threat to freedom is the lack of opportunity to communicate. We must secure the infrastructure and increase the ability of the system to work when traffic increases in the future. We need to increase the amount of communication networks and communication between stakeholders.
- There is need for creative tools, based on new technology, for protection of citizens’ privacy. Smartphone applications for encrypted communication do exist, but need to be disseminated better. The same goes for Best Practices.
- Concerned was expressed that Governments are creating mindwalls and blocking citizens from access to the global dialogue of ideas.
- From a technical point of view, there are conflicts of interests in terms of fighting criminal activity and upholding anonymity in the use of ICT.
- We should not overhype the cyber threat. However, when there are conflicts and tensions, one manifestation will be cyber attacks designed to destroy capability of Governments.
- Concern was raised from the floor that the discussions focused more on protecting Governments from internet, than internet from repressive Governments.
- Security regulation in democracies enacted temporarily, post nine-eleven, should be repealed as soon as possible. Important that countries that work for freedom on the internet are leading by example. Sunset clauses should be used to ascertain the abolishment of temporary legislation.
Example of quotations from participants at the session.
- Cyber security is a society issue, not a Government issue. Baronesse Neville-Jones
- We should not exaggerate the threat. I don’t believe in Cybergeddon, but cyber attacks is a significant problem Dr. Jamie Shea
- Safe and functioning communication enables freedom Patrik Fältström
Examples of tweets and other comments from the internet:
- Question to Panelist and #NATO: @fouadbajwa: Cyber Defense or Cyber Offense, what is the state of the world today?
Fouad Bajwa, @fouadbajwa, Pakistan
- The border of the Internet is everywhere. The cyberwar mindset would have us militarize that border. Eleanor Saitta, @dymaxion, US
- There are two types of “national security”: The security of the state, and the security of the people living in the state. (…) When people talk about “national security”, it’s very important that people say which one they mean. Smari MacCarthy, @smarimc, Iceland
- Government of #Georgia intends to adopt a cyber safety law, which will enable it to restrict access to public information. Tazo Kupreishvili, @MrTazo, Georgia
- “Fear post 9/11 has pushed many governments to develop policy without interaction with civil society & these laws are impacting“ Jehan Ara, @jehan_ara, Pakistan
