The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, joined other Ministers from around the world in adopting the “Seoul Declaration” at the OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy held on 17–18 June in Seoul, Korea.

A key element of the Declaration is greater international collaboration on e-security and cyber safety.

The Declaration highlights the need for increased cross-border co-operation of governments and enforcement authorities in the areas of improving cyber-security, combating spam, as well as protecting privacy, consumers and minors.

The Declaration also identifies the need to strengthen confidence and security, through policies that encourage collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society and the internet technical community in building an understanding of the impact of the internet on minors in order to enhance their protection and support when using the internet.

“The Australian Government recognises that all countries can benefit from opportunities that the internet can bring but no country is spared the challenges of securing the internet,” Senator Conroy said.

“By sharing experiences and working collaboratively we can meet a diverse range of threats considered at the OECD Ministerial meeting; and with resolve, ensure the internet continues to advance economic prosperity and social wellbeing,” Senator Conroy said.