New York: The United Nations General Assembly adopted a new convention aimed at preventing and combating cybercrime, bringing a five-year negotiation process to a close.
The UN Convention against Cybercrime will focus on strengthening international cooperation and providing technical assistance, particularly for developing countries, to tackle cybercrime more efficiently and effectively.
Philémon Yang, President of the UN General Assembly, pointed out that while information and communications technologies have immense potential for societal growth, they also amplify the threat of cybercrime.
President stated that the Convention equips Member States with the tools to enhance international cooperation in fighting cybercrime and ensuring the protection of people’s rights online.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the adoption of the Convention, noting it is the first international criminal justice treaty negotiated in over 20 years.
Guterres described the treaty as a testament to successful multilateralism and emphasized the collective commitment of Member States to foster international cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime.
According to Guterres, the Convention establishes an “unprecedented platform for collaboration,” facilitating the exchange of evidence, victim protection, and prevention efforts while upholding human rights online. He called for all States to join the Convention and work with relevant stakeholders to implement it effectively.
The UN Convention against Cybercrime will open for signature at a formal ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2025. It will come into force 90 days after being ratified by the 40th signatory.
MOST READ | Victoria faces Bushfire threat as Christmas and heatwave loom
