The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a groundbreaking global treaty to combat cybercrime, marking the first international criminal justice agreement in over two decades. The UN Convention against Cybercrime aims to strengthen worldwide cooperation in tackling digital threats and protecting societies.
The treaty emerged after five years of extensive consultations involving UN Member States, civil society groups, cybersecurity experts, academics, and private sector representatives. UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the agreement as a triumph of multilateral cooperation during challenging times.
The Convention creates a framework for international collaboration in gathering electronic evidence and protecting victims while maintaining online human rights. It specifically targets crimes like online child sexual abuse, sophisticated internet scams, and digital money laundering schemes.
"We live in a digital world where information technologies offer great potential for development but also increase cybercrime risks," said General Assembly President Philémon Yang. The treaty provides member states with tools to enhance international cooperation and protect citizens' online rights.
The agreement acknowledges the growing threats from misused information technologies that enable criminal activities at unprecedented speed and scale. It emphasizes protecting states, businesses, and individuals from various cyber offenses, including terrorism, human trafficking, and online financial crimes.
The Convention will open for signature in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2025 and will become active 90 days after receiving 40 ratifications. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, committed to supporting nations in implementing the treaty and building their capacity to combat digital crime.
This milestone agreement reflects the international community's dedication to creating a safer digital environment while promoting cooperation among nations in an increasingly connected world.