In every corner of the world, human beings have increasingly become dependent on digital media and the latter makes a significant contribution to our daily life. Cyberspace represents a relatively new domain for interactions among peoples and among States. While this is the product of extraordinary achievements in science and in data-processing technology brought about by human ingenuity, and thus fostering prosperity and peace, intellectual growth, and access to education resources, it can also be exploited for malevolent purposes. What was initially experienced as an expression of freedom and relationship, has resulted in a field characterized by expansion without verification and possibility of control, limitless sharing of volumes of information, the fear for maintaining the integrity of one’s identity, the risk of losing personal data, and the primacy of technology over knowledge. A new arena for competition and potential conflict has emerged, becoming another ground of confrontation among States. As the line between security and peace, civilian and military applications, becomes increasingly blurred, the publication suggests that it would be opportune and beneficial to agree at the international level on a shared normative legal framework to guide actions in cyberspace and to develop a culture of responsibility as well as an ethics of fraternity and peaceful interactions in the context of cyberspace. Only then can cyberspace remain a safe domain reserved for peaceful purposes, cooperation, and mutual enrichment at the service of the common good.
Photo credit: Marcin Mazur
