G20 digital security front: How high-level principles & toolkit could provide actionable guidance to governments
economictimes.indiatimes.comG20 presidency yielded significant wins on the digital security front. Last month, the G20 Digital Economy Ministers' Meeting in Bengaluru reached a consensus on three priority areas, including one related to security in the digital economy.
The outcomes were also welcomed in the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration released on September 9.
Digital security outcomes include a set of high-level principles and a toolkit on cyber education and cyber awareness for children and youth. They provide an overarching decision-making structure and guidelines for governments on how they can build resilience in the digital economy and incorporate businesses and other stakeholders into their strategy.
By highlighting global practices and sharing multiple approaches, the digital security priority recognised that the complexities of the digital ecosystem compel an 'all-hands-on-deck' fight with all stakeholders playing a critical role.
The consensus outcome is noteworthy, considering the many geopolitical fissures the presidency had to navigate.
As many G20 countries, including India, firm up their omnibus regulations on online safety and user harm, the outcomes provide a valuable overarching framework for governments and other stakeholders, including businesses and civil society, to think through policy and operational decisions. They hold value for the private sector as they draw a clear connection between discussions at international fora and strategic business priorities.
They mark an important application of norms for responsible behaviour agreed upon at security forums on the digital economy.
