Internet in bello: International humanitarian law and cyber operations

Cyber warfare figures prominently on the agenda of policymakers and military leaders around the world. New units to ensure cyber security are created at various levels of government, including in the armed forces.

But cyber operations in armed conflict situations could potentially have very serious consequences, in particular when their effect is not limited to the data of the targeted computer system or computer. Indeed, cyber operations are usually intended to have an effect in the 'real world'. The panel gives an overview of the recent debates concerning the applicability and application of international humanitarian law rules on the conduct of hostilities to cyber operations. The event is part of the Research and debate cycle on new technologies and the modern battlespace.

Panelists

• Duco le Clercq, Legal and Policy Advisor, Netherlands Ministry of Defence
• Laurent Gisel, Thematic Legal adviser, International Committee of the Red Cross
• Dr. Herbert Lin, Chief Scientist, Computer Science and Telecommunications Board, National Research Council
• Dr. Xu Longdi, Associate Research Fellow, China Institute of International Studies
• Dr. Bradley J. Strawser, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School

Moderator

•  Heather Roff, Lecturer, Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver