At the conclusion of the CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) in London, the Commonwealth countries have adopted the Commonwealth Cyber Declaration.
- Commonwealth countries have agreed to work closely together to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks and response mechanisms by 2020.
- The declaration is considered as world’s largest inter-governmental commitment on cybersecurity cooperation.
Aim
The Declaration aims to tackle criminal groups and hostile state actors who pose a global threat to security. The declaration sets out a first-time common vision for the Commonwealth to ensure that the internet remains open and free.Key Facts
- 53 commonwealth countries have agreed to work closely to evaluate and strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks and response mechanisms.
- With the internet increasingly central to global commerce, the Declaration sets out a shared vision of cyberspace in areas such as economic and social development, and online rights.
- The Prime Minister of UK has announced that the UK government will give up to £15 million to the Commonwealth countries to help them strengthen their cyber-security capabilities and help tackle cyber-criminal groups.
- The new funding will support Commonwealth partners as they prevent and respond to cyber-security risks affecting governments, businesses and citizens.
- Before the next CHOGM in 2020, £5.5 million of this money will be used to enable low and middle income Commonwealth members to carry out national cyber-security capacity reviews.
- It will underpin projects across the Commonwealth to provide technical assistance, training and advice to address a wide range of cyber-security and cyber-crime threats.
- With transnational cybercrime becoming an increasing challenge for the world, the Commonwealth countries are taking a lead role to combat cybercrime and promote good cybersecurity.
- By promoting digital inclusion and a safer cyberspace, the declaration sets out practical steps that will enable the countries to advance their economic and social development.
- The Commonwealth countries commit to support businesses to implement appropriate measure to protect themselves and their customers from cybersecurity threats.
