UN Adopts Historic Convention to Combat Cybercrime

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a landmark convention to prevent and combat cybercrime, marking the conclusion of a five-year negotiation process.

The UN Convention against Cybercrime aims to tackle cybercrime more effectively by bolstering international cooperation, providing technical assistance, and building capacity, especially for developing nations.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres hailed the adoption of the Convention as a historic moment, calling it the first international criminal justice treaty negotiated in over 20 years. “This treaty is a testament to the success of multilateralism in challenging times and reflects the collective will of Member States to enhance international cooperation against cybercrime,” his spokesperson stated.

The Convention establishes an unprecedented platform for collaboration, focusing on evidence exchange, victim protection, and crime prevention, all while safeguarding human rights online. Guterres emphasized that the treaty promotes a safer cyberspace and urged all nations to join and implement the Convention in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

Philémon Yang, President of the UN General Assembly, noted, “We live in a digital world with immense opportunities for societal development, but it also brings significant risks of cybercrime. With this Convention, Member States now have the tools to strengthen international cooperation and protect individuals and their rights online.”

The Convention against Cybercrime will be open for signature at a formal ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2025. It will come into effect 90 days after the 40th signatory ratifies it.

This milestone sets a new standard for global efforts to create a secure and inclusive digital future.