The Australian Government welcomes the statement by the European Union (EU) on 24 September 2021 denouncing malicious cyber activity against its member states.
Australia stands in solidarity with the EU and condemns malicious cyber activity and disinformation operations that seek to disrupt democratic institutions and processes within the EU. We have seen an increase in harmful cyber activity to undermine international stability, security, and public safety. There must be consequences for those who seek to undermine an open, free and secure cyberspace.
Australia is committed to cooperating with our international partners, including the EU, to deter and respond to malicious cyber activities, in accordance with existing international law and norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. The rule of law applies online, just as it does offline.
In March 2021, Australia, with all 193 UN member states endorsed a UN Open Ended Working Group report to reaffirm the application of existing international law and norms of responsible behaviour in cyberspace. The report of the UN Group of Governmental Experts, adopted by consensus in May 2021, provides practical guidance to all states to implement these commitments. Australia is strongly committed to working with international partners to uphold these commitments.
