Madame Chair,
I would like to thank the delegation of the United States for organizing this Arria-formula meeting on a crucial topic, which provides an opportunity to foster the debate on how to ensure a right balance between cybersecurity and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
We all witness the increasing proliferation of commercial spyware technologies. We live in a world where threats to our safety and security are hidden everywhere. The digital space allows for great benefits to citizens’ life, but at the same time creates room for possible violations of their privacy. Within this challenging context, it is certainly useful whenever law enforcement authorities legally use such products to prosecute criminal behaviour. However, it is not acceptable whenever spyware technology is used to compress personal freedoms, crack down human rights defenders, fight against political adversaries or even create tensions among countries.
In a digitally interconnected world, the international community is called on to exchange views in a constructive way and work together to identify possible solutions to such problems affecting international peace and security.
From Italy’s perspective, three actions might help tackle this issue: first of all, increase awareness among the public. Cybersecurity particularly relies on the human factor as a first line of defence. We must improve the knowledge about the risks online, particularly when we provide or store personal information.
Secondly, each country should work domestically to ensure that national legislations properly regulate this sector and are in line with relevant international conventions, striking the right balance between the need to lawfully prosecute crimes and safeguarding peoples’ rights. Furthermore, the oversight by Parliament and judiciary provides an additional layer of protection together with the export control.
It is also important to adopt a multistakeholder approach in order to foster a constructive dialogue with the private sector.
Thirdly, international cooperation is key to prevent or de-escalate possible tensions. In 2024, Italy proudly joined the Pall Mall Process to tackle the proliferation and irresponsible use of commercial cyber intrusion capabilities. We welcome such initiatives in order to agree common terms and definitions, share experiences and best practices, harmonize regulatory frameworks, promote transparency and responsibility.
We also stress the importance of recalling the full applicability of international law in cyberspace, including during conflicts. Italy adopted a national position paper in 2021 and we encourage every country to do the same.
A final reflection concerns the impact of spyware technologies on developing countries. With the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, we have committed to delivering a better future for people and planet. That is why we must pay particular attention to the needs of those countries and build capacities in order for them to effectively address any matter arising from cyberspace.
A comprehensive approach is needed to face the ongoing challenges and strengthen mutual trust, so that we can enjoy a safer and more secure cyberspace, where all liberties are protected. We are confident that with a shared endeavor we will be able to trigger a virtuous mechanism involving public and private sector.
I thank you, Madame Chair.
