Question

The United States has taken the position that the acceptability of cyber espionage depends upon the motivation of the espionage and what is done with the stolen information. This is obvious in the United States position towards China's espionage activities.

What des the United States believe - in practice - is an "appropriate" motiation for espionage, and what is "inappropriate"?

Answer 1

• The United States’ position on cyber espionage depends upon the motivation of the espionage and the actions taken with the stolen information. The United States has stated that the use of cyber espionage is acceptable as long as the motivation behind the espionage is to support and develop innovation.
• Today’s economy is driven by innovation and as long as the data is used to inspire industry modernization and invention, the U.S believes it to be an acceptable practice. On the other hand, if the motivation of the espionage and the data collected is for the use of threatening a nation’s national and economic security, then espionage is considered unacceptable.