Question : Cyber Security Policy

(a) the timeline of submissions and impact of India’s engagement with the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts and Open Ended Working Group on international cyber security dialogues;

(b) the stand of the Government on Programme of Action for Struggle against Threats to Cybersecurity proposed in the United Nations;

(c) whether the policy experts of Government of India plan to engage with the Oxford Process on International Law Protections in Cyberspace and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the other steps taken by the Government to ensure international cooperation in preparing India’s cyber security policy; and

(e) whether the National Strategy on Cyber Security will be made in consonance with international law standards as laid down by international forums, if so, the time by which it is likely to be released?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SMT. MEENAKASHI LEKHI]

(a) India was a member of the fifth and sixth United Nations Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) for the periods 2016-17 and 2019-2021 respectively. The UN GGE on “Advancing responsible State behaviour in cyberspace in the context of international security” (2019-2021) completed its work in May 2021. Another UN-mandated working group – the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on “developments in the field of Information and communications technologies (ICTs) in the context of international security” conducted its business during 2019-2021 and concluded its work in March 2021 with the adoption of a consensus report. A new OEWG on “security of and in the use of ICTs 2021-2025” was created in 2021. India is an active participant to the ongoing dialogue. India made significant contribution in shaping the outcome reports of both UN GGE and UN OEWG.


(b) The stated ‘Programme of Action for Struggle against Threats to Cybersecurity’ does not exist in the United Nations in the titled format of the Parliament Question. India has been participating in UN-mandated cyber processes and consultations that support a global, inclusive and transparent intergovernmental participation with the objective of realizing a safe and secure cyberspace.

(c) The Oxford Process on International Law Protection in Cyberspace is an academic-driven exercise rather than a government-driven one. India is engaging under the UN framework on applicability of International law to cyberspace in fora such as GGE and OEWG.

(d) Government of India engages in dialogue with multiple countries on the aspects of cyber security issues which promote international cooperation and strengthen national cyber security policy.

(e) The proposed National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS) captures all concerns of global cyber threats and is aligned to international laws and practices.


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