The Cybersecurity Tech Accord closely monitored the United Nations (UN) cybersecurity forum held in New York during the week of December 9, as it actively engaged in discussions on crucial topics like the Open Ended Working Group on ICT security and the prohibition of state-sponsored cyberattacks on the ICT supply chain. Jeffrey Goldstein, Global Managing Director at Queue Associates (an international Microsoft Solutions Partner) and emeritus member of the Voices for Innovation Advisory Task Force — with which he collaborated on efforts for the Accord — kept a close eye on the Tech Accord’s ongoing concerns regarding the UN Cybercrime Treaty with calls for extensive changes.

Persistent Concerns: Urgent Revisions Needed for UN Cybercrime Treaty

The Tech Accord has voiced grave concerns regarding the latest UN cybercrime treaty draft, unveiled on November 28. The organization believes the draft overlooks previous issues and exacerbates them, potentially undermining global cybersecurity, compromising data privacy, and violating online rights. Head of delegation Nick Ashton-Hart stressed the imperative for substantial changes to prevent the unintended facilitation of cybercrime through the treaty. The industry, in collaboration with civil society organizations, is calling on governments to reassess the current approach, advocating for a targeted cybercrime instrument focusing on core principles and robust human rights protections for digital privacy and security.

Establishing International Norms to Safeguard the ICT Supply Chain

Furthermore, the Tech Accord urged the UN to embrace a norm against state-sponsored cyberattacks on the ICT supply chain. Representing 150 global tech firms, it highlighted the indiscriminate nature of such attacks. It proposed a new voluntary norm explicitly stating that states should refrain from compromising commercial ICT products and services’ availability, security, integrity, or confidentiality. Aligned with international law, this approach would promote accountability and responsibility, fostering a rules-based order that respects the sovereignty and interests of all parties. Emphasizing the significance of securing the ICT supply chain, it contributes to the well-being of the global digital ecosystem.

Read the full posts detailing the Cybersecurity Tech Accord’s observations and actions concerning the UN’s forum here:

• Press Release: Cybersecurity Tech Accord expresses continued concern over latest draft of UN Cybercrime Treaty, calls for extensive changes
• Cybersecurity Tech Accord calls for International Norms to Protect the ICT Supply Chain