What are the Legal and Practical Constraints on Information Warfare?

Like any new weapon, revolutionary new techniques of information warfare must be reviewed for legal and practical constraints on their use. Because of the unique capabilities and employment methods of these "information weapons," such review will require significantly more attention than other, more evolutionary, types of weapons.

Information warfare weapons must meet the same tests for necessity and proportionality as other weapons under the laws of armed conflict. In addition, commanders must recognize and weigh the possible consequences of weapons that can devastate the information systems of an adversary. Problems such as lack of enemy command and control, post-hostility reconstruction, and retaliation, among others, must be considered by the commander contemplating the use of information weapons.

Because of the extraordinary consequences of these weapons, developers must provide guidance for their employment, and commanders must carefully consider adverse effects from their use.

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