In September the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers adopted a Recommendation on the protection and promotion of the universality, integrity and openness of the Internet, in which a framework of co-operation between member states is laid out with a view to preserving a global, stable and open Internet as a means of safeguarding freedom of expression and access to information.
The Committee of Ministers urged states to develop policies, in cooperation with other stakeholders, to prevent and respond to harm to the Internet. While not getting involved in day-to-day operational issues, states should develop emergency plans, share information and assist each other in preventing and managing major cross border incidents affecting the Internet. They should also strive to ensure that critical Internet resources are managed with respect for international human rights law.