Cyber-crime & the Rome Statute

Hostile cyber operations by one state against another are on an alarming rise. However, there are limitations on the extent to which international law, and the Rome Statute of the ICC, are equipped to combat such operations and hold the perpetrators to account.

This session will consider whether and to what extent international law needs to adapt to the changing methods of warfare and cyber operations that can potentially cripple a country’s critical infrastructure, change the outcome of elections and cause significantly more damage than conventional weapons.

Cyber-attacks have blurred the lines of accountability between governments, industry and individuals. As the risks increase, States and international institutions like the ICC must find ways to develop a collaborative and coherent approach to combating these potentially devastating crimes.