London conference calls for collective action on cybercrime

Nov 2, 2011, 17:57 GMT

London - An international conference on cyberspace in London Wednesday called for collective action to combat the fast rise in internet crime which threatened the world's economic and social well-being.

'As online criminals operate across national borders, all delegates strongly supported the principle that we must work collectively together to tackle the threat from cybercrime and ensure that there are no safe heavens for criminals,' a statement released at the conclusion of the conference said.

The meeting, hosted by Britain's Foreign Secretary, William Hague, brought together more than 700 participants from 60 countries, including senior government officials, industry leaders and internet experts.

The US, China and Russia were among the participants.

Delegates agreed that the internet had a 'critical role to play as an engine and facilitator of economic growth,' and that it needed to be made accessible to 'the widest possible group of people.'

In his closing remarks, Hague said it was important to place the international debate on cyberspace onto a 'permanent and continuous footing.'

'Until now, it has not sufficient intensity to match either the exponential rise in threats or the booming nature of the opportunity,' said Hague.

However, he warned that governments trying to curtail the free flow of information were 'bound to fail.'

The conference was expected to be followed up by concrete actions on legislation and the increased cooperation with the UN and other international organizations.

Follow-up meetings are scheduled for Hungary in 2012 and South Korea in 2013.