World governments should be transparent in their regulations to monitor and control online activity and set a strategic plan to combat cyber crime, according to an expert.

"State regulation is necessary, but should be transparent and rational with respect to who is authorised to do so and most importantly strike a balance," International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) cyber crime expert Dr Eneken Tikk-Ringas was quoted as saying in our sister publication the Gulf Daily News.

Dr Tikk-Ringas was speaking in a Press conference yesterday (December 9) at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa, as part of the Manama Dialogue 2012.

She explained that industry experts were still working on solutions to deal with hacktivism. "It is not an easy solution and more needs to be done in the area of cyber crime to ensure all incidents are investigated and criminals prosecuted," she added.

Dr Tikk-Ringas was accompanied by IISS transitional threats and political risk director Nigel Inkster, who also spoke about the dangers of restrictions.

"There is a lot of pressure on governments to introduce legislation, but it is also important to examine consequences of the decision to restrict the Internet," he said.

"Look at the role of communications - particularly social media - globally, especially in Egypt, Libya, Iran, Middle East and other areas." – TradeArabia News Service