The uncertainties of cyberspace

Since US Internet policy is provocative, it ought to work with nations like China to make the virtual world safe and stable

The New York Times reported last month that the US State Department had helped develop an "Internet suitcase", which could build a shadow network in certain countries giving users direct access to the virtual world without using local communication infrastructure. It is feared that the product will be used to help dissidents in countries where governments have strong control over cyberspace.

This shows the complexity of cyberspace. On one hand, nearly all countries agree that global cooperation should be deepened to regulate global cyberspace. On the other, some countries want to take advantage of their expertise in information technology (IT) to impose their authority over others. This became even more evident after the United States issued its first international cyberspace strategy in May.