The promotion of an open, secure, stable, accessible, and peaceful ICT environment is a recurrent objective in the multilateral processes relating to international and ICT security at the United Nations. For example, in the final report of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Advancing Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace in the Context of International Security 2021, it is affirmed that “an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment is essential for all and requires effective cooperation among States to reduce risks to international peace and security.”
However, the fragmentation of the ICT environment, and more specifically of the internet, has become an increasingly serious possibility, which is already occurring in certain settings. Indeed, the fragmentation of the internet can affect different and sometimes intertwined levels, including political, commercial, and technological. The purpose of this primer is to provide a brief and concise analysis of the possible effects and consequences of internet fragmentation on cybersecurity as broadly understood.
Citation: Samuele Dominioni (2023). "Internet Fragmentation and Cybersecurity: A Primer", UNIDIR, Geneva, Switzerland.