Minilateralism and norms in cyberspace

In June 2017, the UN Group of Governmental Experts (UNGGE) – a gathering of cyber specialists – failed to present a consensus report. Although not entirely unexpected, the deadlock prolongs the uncertainty surrounding the application of international law to cyberspace and norms of responsible state behaviour.

After several years of seemingly consistent progress, the approach adopted through the UNGGE appears to have reached its limits due to problems related to expanding membership, format and timing.