Here is the Joint Statement agreed on November 6:
Following the convening of telecommunications regulators and government agencies from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the undersigned organisations reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in response to evolving threats and challenges in the telecommunications sector.
This partnership reflects our collective resolve to deter malicious actors, exchange and promote best practices, as well as safeguard the integrity of our communications infrastructure. It recognises that we have increasingly interconnected markets and face global threats, including those from malign and state-sponsored actors. Additionally, it recognises the importance of exploring harmonisation opportunities and coordinated regulatory approaches to reduce regulatory friction, ensure secure and resilient networks, and support consumer confidence in telecommunications services.
We commit to the following actions:
- Regular convenings, at least annually, to facilitate ongoing information exchange regarding global security challenges, emerging threats, mitigation strategies, and regulatory developments, and to reinforce strategic relationships.
- Enhanced cooperation on network reliability, integrity and security, including efforts to prevent exploitation and misuse of telecom resources such as Global Titles, whilst recognising differing national contexts.
- Information sharing on emerging threats and fraud techniques, such as SMS blasters, and the risks and opportunities arising from the growing use of artificial intelligence in telecommunications.
- Promotion of best practices in network defence, including cooperation on and signposting to international standards such as those relating to Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs) where appropriate, and collaboration on supply chain security for critical elements of telecommunications networks, including subsea cable infrastructure and radio frequency devices where appropriate.
We will continue to explore opportunities for joint communications, coordinated information sharing, and aligned regulatory approaches in order to strengthen the resilience and security of our telecommunications ecosystems.
Signed:
- Ofcom (United Kingdom)
- Federal Communications Commission (United States)
- Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (Canada)
- Department of Home Affairs (Australia)
- National Cyber Security Centre (New Zealand)