[Passed] Repeal "Anti-Cyberterrorism Act"

[The Dourian Embassy]

Original here.

The World Assembly,

Understanding that the "Anti-Cyberterrorism Act"(GA#100) seeks to limit acts of cyberterrorism,

Regretting, however, that the resolution defines cyberterrorism as "any premeditated, politically or ideologically motivated attack or threat thereof, through the use of information technology... by sub-national groups or agents,"

Knowing that the inclusion of the term "sub-national" was intended to limit the resolution's effects to the efforts of non-state actors, but also knowing that the term "sub-national" specifically refers to the administrative divisions of a national entity,

Bemoaning the fact that this definition limits the ability of nations to engage in cyber warfare,

Believing that cyber warfare may be used as an alternative to conventional warfare, and result in less loss of life than a conventional attack,

Accepting that even if the author's intent with regards to the term "sub-national" were to be respected, the resolution still severely limits the ability of nations to engage in cyber warfare and maintain plausible deniability of actions that may provoke conventional attacks as a response,

Cognizant that this resolution will continue to cause more harm than good as long as it remains in place,

Hereby repeals "Anti-Cyberterrorism Act"(GA#100).

So, this is another piece I've been working on. Critiques are welcome and encouraged.

[The Dark Star Republic]

"Did Ambassador Harper not get any help drafting her proposals or something? Why are so many of her resolutions beset by errors that could have been fixed with simple corrections?

"Needless to say, I think the point you make is valid, but your argument is a bit clunky. For example, I don't really understand what this fragment means:

Aware that cyber warfare attacks often provokes attacks of a conventional nature when the originator of those attacks are known,

"I assume you're linking it to the point about plausible deniability, but on its own it doesn't seem to serve much point."

~ Ambassador to the WA Inky Fungschlammer

[The Dourian Embassy]

I reordered the clauses to move it up one, which may place it in a better context, though I may need to rework a couple of clauses still.

[Separatist Peoples]

Full support. Cyber warfare is best warfare!

[Mousebumples]

"Did Ambassador Harper not get any help drafting her proposals or something? Why are so many of her resolutions beset by errors that could have been fixed with simple corrections?

I don't know that I was especially active when this particular resolution was passed, but I'm afraid that Ambassador Harper was often beset by multiple individuals with different end goals trying to help. She often tried to appease as many people as possible, which - on reflection - may have resulted in a number of errors existing within these resolutions.

As a note to Douria, I know I have other "homework" to tackle first, but if I have time yet tonight, I'll try to take a look.

[The Dourian Embassy]

As a note to Douria, I know I have other "homework" to tackle first, but if I have time yet tonight, I'll try to take a look.

I really should apologize for taking up so much of your time with efforts such as this, these days.

Still, I'm always appreciative of your input.

[Abacathea]

I hearby declare November-December as the great repeal period of the WA.

Congrats Douria

[Super-Llamaland]

Full support. Cyber warfare is best warfare!

I don't think that was the intention of the resolution.

[Separatist Peoples]

Full support. Cyber warfare is best warfare!

I don't think that was the intention of the resolution.

Intent is irrelevant. It hampered our ability to conduct it to our fullest extent. Besides, the statement was more for chuckles then anything else.

[Burtonia WA Embassy]

I support this repeal effort, looks well-written enough.

I once started a draft of my own, but lost interest and never made it off Capitalist Paradise's regional forum. Two more lines of attack to consider, feel free to use any of my material should either of them seem a suitable addition to your proposal:
1) Restricting the definition of cyberterrorism to acts that are "politically or ideologically motivated" creates glaring loopholes in regards to cyber attacks carried out for other motives.

NOTING that GA #100 defines cyberterrorism in such a way as to exclude actions not motivated by politics or ideology,

RECOGNIZING that a cyberterrorist's motives may vary or even be inscrutable, and may include personal vendetta against a nonpolitical person or group, industrial espionage, or even just showing off hacking skills,

UNDERSTANDING that limiting the definition based on motive is counterproductive to the Act's objective,

2) It can be argued that the act's mandate "to freeze the assets of cyberterrorist individuals or organizations which may be used to support international cyberterrorist acts - including but not limited to: funds, computers or storage devices;" [emphasis mine] is overly broad and may violate property rights and due process in some member states.

[The Dark Star Republic]

I support this repeal effort, looks well-written enough.

I once started a draft of my own, but lost interest and never made it off Capitalist Paradise's regional forum. Two more lines of attack to consider, feel free to use any of my material should either of them seem a suitable addition to your proposal:
1) Restricting the definition of cyberterrorism to acts that are "politically or ideologically motivated" creates glaring loopholes in regards to cyber attacks carried out for other motives.

NOTING that GA #100 defines cyberterrorism in such a way as to exclude actions not motivated by politics or ideology,

RECOGNIZING that a cyberterrorist's motives may vary or even be inscrutable, and may include personal vendetta against a nonpolitical person or group, industrial espionage, or even just showing off hacking skills,

UNDERSTANDING that limiting the definition based on motive is counterproductive to the Act's objective,

2) It can be argued that the act's mandate "to freeze the assets of cyberterrorist individuals or organizations which may be used to support international cyberterrorist acts - including but not limited to: funds, computers or storage devices;" [emphasis mine] is overly broad and may violate property rights and due process in some member states.

"I'm not that convinced by the second argument - given the legal protections already put in place by the WA, and the terms of the WA Counterterrorism Act, I'm not sure it's a legitimate concern - but I do agree the first point has some merit. Indeed, it seems to exclude financially motivated acts, which is - if I'm correct about that - pretty glaring."

[The Dourian Embassy]

I'm wary of mixing arguments about what it doesn't cover with the current central premise of the "active harm" of keeping the piece.

I'll give it some thought though, to see if it can be integrated easily into the current arguments.

[The Dourian Embassy]

I've given the further arguments some thought, but given the difference between the "active harm" language I used and the possible alternative arguments, I believe it is stronger without them. Though they are very good points.

I have submitted this and will likely telegram it into the queue before it expires(unless I get a very good reason not to).

[Charlotte Ryberg]

"Did Ambassador Harper not get any help drafting her proposals or something? Why are so many of her resolutions beset by errors that could have been fixed with simple corrections?

I don't know that I was especially active when this particular resolution was passed, but I'm afraid that Ambassador Harper was often beset by multiple individuals with different end goals trying to help. She often tried to appease as many people as possible, which - on reflection - may have resulted in a number of errors existing within these resolutions.

As a note to Douria, I know I have other "homework" to tackle first, but if I have time yet tonight, I'll try to take a look.

Such is life in International Relations.

[Burtonia WA Embassy]

I've given the further arguments some thought, but given the difference between the "active harm" language I used and the possible alternative arguments, I believe it is stronger without them. Though they are very good points.

I see the logic to your decision and look forward to voting for this proposal.

[The Dourian Embassy]

I've submitted this again, and if there are no obvious issues it will be moving to quorum tomorrow.

[Parti Ouvrier]

I've submitted this again, and if there are no obvious issues it will be moving to quorum tomorrow.

I've decided to give this critical support.

[The Dourian Embassy]

Bumped for the mods. This is now at vote.

[Festavo]

I am new to the World Assembly, but I have just voted on this resolution. My vote is YEA

[The Foxfyre Islands]

I am new to the World Assembly, but I have just voted on this resolution. My vote is YEA

*Ambassador Ceresden Gander speaks up* First off Welcome Mr. Ambassador to you and your nation. Second while The Foxfyre Islands supports the resolution we will be withholding our vote until the regional government of the Internation Western Union weighs in. Currently my region is 50/50 spilt on this one.

[Mitonialia]

Mitonialia being a nation of sound principles and in favor of peace, rejects any attempt to lessen restrictions on Cyber Warfare. Our logic being that the risk of human life is a preventative to war and one that has worked well for this nation. Indeed, if this nation were ever attacked by Cyber Warfare, we would initiate emergency action that would have a full retaliatory effect upon the infrastructure, economy and people of the organization and/or nation that decided to resort to such methods.

While we value that some smaller nations need ways to defend themselves against nations with large defense forces, we believe firmly that those nations should seek help from larger nations, with strong moral principles in favor of defending those who cannot defend themselves. However, the danger that Cyber Warfare poses might be as dangerous as a nuclear missile. For if it is allowed, legally, it not only allows for Military computers to be infiltrated but those from civilian servers, ranging from hospitals to businesses to the common person. Anyone with a concern for the idea that a civilization could be brought to the brink even quicker by a computer virus than a single nuclear missile or a invasion of troops would.

Mitonialia is voting against this measure, however in fairness, acknowledges the noble intentions of the nation that drew this measure up, The Dourian Embassy

[Festavo]

I vote as a representative of my nation, not my region. I am not a regional delegate. I hold my views as my own. Mr. Ambassador, your the Ambassador of your nation, not your region. Vote with your heart. I yield the floor.

[The Eternal Kawaii]

In the Name of the Eternal Kawaii, may the Cute One be praised

We find the repeal's argument to be splitting hairs a bit, and not very persuasive. We do note that GAR #100 is rather confusingly worded, though, and could probably be replaced with a better version. As Delegate of Anime, we're waiting on our region consensus before voting on this one.

[Vaculatestar64]

My vote is aye, I do hope that a replacement proposal is coming soon though.

[Saintland WA]

Since the latest edition of Saintland's Commentaries is complete through Resolution #110, I will refer to the comments regarding the resolution for which repeal has been proposed:

#100 Anti-Cyberterrorism Act

This resolution is designed to combat cyberterrorism. Since Saintland has experienced its share of cyberterrorism from the likes of Feministvs Sanctvsterra, Saintland endorses this resolution.

Therefore, as Crown Prince and sole citizen of Saintland WA, I must vote against this repeal. While I may generally lean NatSov, I still believe that battling the terrorist organization Feministvs Sanctvsterra and other organizations of that ilk is a legitimate responsibility of the WA, even the current WA which is all too often an ally of the wicked. We don't recognize cyberwarfare as a legitimate means of warfare and we aren't going to vote to repeal vital tools that help mitigate the significant amounts of damage that those wicked natural gender role-denying terrorists can cause.

- Crown Prince Josephus