U.S., Russia discuss cybersecurity

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- The United States and Russia have begun discussions on the use of the Internet for military purposes and on cybersecurity, The New York Times reports.

The newspaper said the talks are another break with policy during the administration of President George W. Bush. Officials say the Obama administration fears an arms race on the Internet and hopes negotiations with Russia and the U.N. committee on disarmament and international security can slow it.

"In the last months, there are more signs of building better cooperation between the U.S. and Russia," said Veni Markovski, an adviser in Washington to Russia and Bulgaria on Internet issues. "These are signs that show the dangers of cybercrime are too big to be neglected."

A Russian delegation headed by Gen. Vladislav P. Sherstyuk, a deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council, came to Washington on Nov. 12. The United States agreed to talks involving the U.N. committee two weeks later.