What Is the Paris Call?

By Michael Ferguson

The Paris Call: A Global Initiative for Cybersecurity

In November 2018, world leaders, tech companies, and civil society organizations gathered in Paris to launch an unprecedented initiative aimed at making cyberspace safer for everyone. The Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace is a high-level declaration that outlines a set of principles and commitments to promote responsible behavior and cooperation in the digital realm.

What Is the Paris Call?

The Paris Call is a multilateral agreement that seeks to address the growing threats to cybersecurity around the world. It is an initiative that was launched by French President Emmanuel Macron during the Internet Governance Forum held in Paris on 12 November 2018. The call aims to create a global framework for digital peace and security by bringing together governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and private companies.

The Paris Call consists of nine principles that are designed to promote trust, security, and stability in cyberspace. These principles include:

1. Protecting individuals and infrastructure from cyber threats
2. Preventing interference in electoral processes
3. Preventing theft of intellectual property
4. Developing ways to prevent malicious online behavior
5.

Strengthening international cooperation on cybersecurity issues
6. Promoting responsible behavior among tech companies
7. Encouraging innovation in cybersecurity solutions
8. Supporting multi-stakeholder approaches to cybersecurity governance
9. Protecting freedom of expression online

Why Is the Paris Call Important?

The growing number of cyberattacks around the world has made it imperative for governments and other stakeholders to work together towards developing a more secure cyberspace ecosystem. The Paris Call is an important step towards achieving this goal as it brings together different actors who have a stake in ensuring that cyberspace remains safe and secure.

The call also recognizes the role that tech companies play in shaping the digital landscape and encourages them to adopt responsible behavior when it comes to cybersecurity issues. This is important as tech companies are often the first line of defense against cyber threats and are therefore in a unique position to help prevent them from happening.

Furthermore, the Paris Call promotes international cooperation on cybersecurity issues, which is crucial in an increasingly interconnected world. Cyber threats do not respect borders, and it is essential for countries to work together towards developing a common understanding of how to address them.

Conclusion

The Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace is an important initiative that seeks to promote responsible behavior and cooperation among different stakeholders in the digital realm. By bringing together governments, civil society groups, international organizations, and private companies, the call aims to create a global framework for digital peace and security. It is crucial that we all work together towards ensuring that cyberspace remains safe and secure for everyone.