Does International Humanitarian Law Legitimize the Militarization of Cyberspace?
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14203542
Keywords:
Armed conflict, Humanitarian Law, Cyberspace, militarization, United NationsAbstract
The use of cyber operations in armed conflicts is a contemporary reality. The consequences of the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for military purposes have concerned the international community and motivated the inclusion of the topic on the United Nations agenda. Although most states consider that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) applies to cyberspace, the topic raises controversies in a polarized geopolitical context. This article presents the position of different states on the application of IHL in cyberspace and discusses the argument that the application of IHL to state activities in cyberspace would legitimize the militarization of this environment.
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