Navigating the Gray Area: Understanding the Legal Framework for Cyber Conflicts in perspective of International Law

Abstract—This article throws light on the legal complications of cyber conflicts faced at International level by countries. The role of United Nations in determining what constitutes a Cyber attack and the issues concerning legal liability to be put on internationally when a cyber attack is made. Further the problems faced by International community while framing regulations for cyber warfare and the negotiations being made by International Institutions for controlling warfare.
Keywords—Cyber Conflicsts and its components; Legal framework and Public International Law; cyber attacks; cyber warfare; United Nations charter
I. CYBER WARFARE
Cyber warfare is the use of digital technology to conduct attacks against computer systems and networks, with the goal of disrupting or damaging critical infrastructure. This can include everything from stealing sensitive information to shutting down power grids. The legal framework for cyber conflicts is still evolving, as nations and international organizations try to keep pace with the rapidly changing nature of cyber threats.
II. LEGAL FRAMEWORK
A. cyberattack
One of the key issues in the legal framework for cyber conflicts is determining when a cyberattack constitutes an act of war. The United Nations Charter, which forms the basis of international law, defines an act of war as the use of armed force against another state. However, many cyberattacks do not involve the use of physical force, making it difficult to apply this definition.
B. Liability for a cyberattack
Another issue is determining which state or non-state actors are responsible for a cyberattack. Unlike traditional forms of warfare, cyberattacks can be launched from anywhere in the world, making it difficult to attribute responsibility. Additionally, many cyberattacks are conducted by non-state actors, such as criminal organizations or hacktivists, who do not fall under the jurisdiction of any one state.
III. PROPOTIONALITY
• International law also struggles to deal with the issue of proportionality in cyber warfare. The principle of proportionality requires that
military actions be limited to what is necessary to achieve a military objective, and that civilian harm be minimized. However, it can be difficult to determine the full extent of the harm caused by a cyber attack, and to assess whether the attack was proportional to the military objective.
IV. INTERNATIONAL LAW AND CYBER CONFLICTS
In light of these challenges, many nations and international organizations have begun to develop legal frameworks and guidelines for dealing with cyber conflicts. For example, the Tallinn Manual, a set of guidelines developed by a group of international legal experts, provides a detailed analysis of the applicability of international law to cyber warfare. Additionally, the UN GGE (United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security) was created in 2013 to discuss and make recommendations on various cyber security topics.
Despite these efforts, the legal framework for cyber conflicts remains uncertain and in flux. As cyber threats continue to evolve, nations and international organizations will need to continue to adapt their legal frameworks to keep pace.

Cyber warfare is an emerging threat that poses significant challenges to the existing legal framework of international law. The lack of clear definitions and criteria for determining when a cyberattack constitutes an act of war, determining the responsible actors, and determining the proportionality
of the cyberattacks make it hard to apply existing laws. International organizations and nations are working to establish guidelines and legal frameworks to address these challenges, but the legal landscape in this field is still evolving.