Russia Proposes Elaboration of Common Code of Internet Conduct - Shchyogolev
file photoMOSCOW. Nov 3 (Interfax) - A common code of conduct on the worldwide web will help avoid unfounded accusations and prepare the states for deterring cyber-attacks, Russian Communications and Mass Media Minister Igor Shchyogolev said in an
interview published by the Thursday issue of the newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Some tried to accuse Russia of organizing numerous cyber-attacks at a global cyber-security conference in London, the newspaper said. The minister said the claims had been made before but no proof was given ever.
"We propose laying down rules and elaborating mechanisms of interstate interaction to find the exact source of the threat. We can thus avoid incidents and unfounded accusations and give a worthy response to the threat," Shchyogolev said.
There is the Budapest Convention, which regulates the deterrence of cyber-crime on the regional level, but Russia says that its mechanisms impede the supremacy of law, the minister said.
"For instance, the convention says that its member states have the right to chase criminals on the virtual territory of another state without informing its authorities. We think this is a violation of national sovereignty and cannot accept this principle," he said.
Some 34 out of 47 states, which drafted the convention, signed it, he remarked.
Besides, the convention was signed more than 11 years ago, and new threats and policies have appeared since then. The document may be reviewed, provisions opposed by Russia may be removed, and new provisions may be added. In that case, it will be possible to sign the Budapest Convention, Shchyogolev said.
Russia and its partners have drafted a set of proposals on the code of conduct in the cyber-space, which may hamper the abuse of information technologies harmful for certain states and the entire world, the minister said.
This is not a legally binding document, but it may be approved at a UN convention. It will be possible to discuss many items at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which unites 193 states, he said.
The minister refuted the allegations that Russia is seeking larger state control over the Internet. "Russia is confident that the blocking or censoring of the Internet is impossible. Otherwise, it will stop making sense," he said.
