Is Computer Data an ‘Object’ Under IHL? The Debate in Armed Conflict Involving Cyber Operations

[Kenaw Akililu is currently a MAS candidate in the Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Rule of Law at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, and a former law lecturer at Bahir Dar University] Introduction Cyber operations and targeting of cyber infrastructure, including data centres, are increasingly employed during armed conflict…