Cyber Norms: transnational efforts to regulate cyberspace

The digital domain is now an increasingly significant geopolitical battleground. Kaja Ciglic from Microsoft discusses the roles of norms in regulating cyberspace.

Considering the significant role that the internet and cyberspace play in all aspects of modern life, the digital domain is becoming an increasingly significant area of contestation for differing state interests and political agendas. Various forms of statecraft are being deployed digitally, ranging from disinformation campaigns to cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure such as power grids or healthcare systems. These problems are further exacerbated by a relative lack of agreements regulating the conduct of states in cyberspace. If cyberspace continues to be left under-regulated, there is no telling how digital operations might eventually unfold and what dire implications this will bring. There is therefore a need for cyber norms - a code of conduct for countries regarding their digital operations and the limits of such operations. Advocating for norms and digital diplomacy to limit the means and ends of digital statecraft is not just the responsibility of governments but also the private sector companies that have a stake in ensuring a safer and better cyberspace.

Kaja Ciglic, Senior Director of the Digital Diplomacy division at Microsoft, discusses Microsoft’s work on issues related to international peace and stability to advance trust in the digital domain.

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Cyber Norms

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Cyber Norms

This webinar was held on Thursday 10 February 2022.