Basic facts about the global cybercrime treaty
In 2024, with over 60 per cent of the global population connected to the internet, the digital sphere is expanding rapidly. This unprecedented connectivity brings immense opportunities but also increases cybersecurity risks, as threats can evolve alongside technological advancements.
The escalating cost of cybercrime, which is estimated to cost trillions of dollars annually, underscores the urgent need for coordinated international efforts like the .
What is cybercrime?
Cybercrime encompasses and falls into two broad categories: and . Cyber-enabled crimes include traditional criminal activities conducted online, such as trafficking, fraud, and incitement to violence and hate. Cyber-dependent crimes are those committed through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices, including phishing, identity theft, and the deployment of malware and ransomware. Perpetrators of cybercrime range from individual criminals to organized networks, all exploiting the anonymity and accessibility of the digital world.
The crimes transcend geographic boundaries, targeting systems, networks, and individuals with unprecedented speed and efficiency. They can range from large-scale national security breaches, such as espionage , to targeted harassment of marginalized groups. Vulnerable populations¨Csuch as , children, , and ¨Care disproportionately affected by online threats, including hate speech, privacy breaches and disinformation campaigns.
For instance, the reported that 70 per cent or more of social media hate crimes target minorities, a figure that continues to . The report also notes that members of these groups are more likely to encounter restrictions or content removals by social media moderation systems.
Developing countries, often lacking robust cybersecurity infrastructure, remain particularly susceptible. Limited awareness of cyber risks and insufficient resources make individuals in these regions easy targets for crimes like phishing, identity theft, and misinformation.
At the same time, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and deep fakes pose new challenges, enabling sophisticated disinformation campaigns and raising questions about privacy. The rise of generative AI has also raised complex issues regarding copyright laws, as AI-generated content challenges traditional notions of authorship and .
What is cybersecurity?
refers to the strategies, policies, procedures, practices, and measures that are designed to identify threats and vulnerabilities, prevent threats from exploiting vulnerabilities, mitigate the harm caused by materialized threats, and safeguard people, property, and information.
In simpler terms, cybersecurity serves as a digital fortress, guarding individuals and organisations from attacks seeking to exploit their online presence.
aim to safeguard both individual and organizational data, focusing on preventing breaches, detecting threats, responding effectively, and recovering from cyber incidents. In an increasingly connected world, a sound cybersecurity strategy is essential for maintaining privacy, trust, and security.
What is the UN Cybercrime Convention?
The newly , officially called the Convention on Cybercrime: Strengthening International Cooperation to Combat Crimes Committed Through ICT Systems, is the first international criminal justice treaty to have been negotiated in over 20 years.
According to the , until now, there had been no globally negotiated and adopted convention text on cybercrime. Under the new Cybercrime Convention, responses to cybercrime are expected to be quicker, better coordinated and more effective¨Cmaking both our digital and physical worlds safer.
The convention creates an unprecedented global framework and platform for collaboration to combat cybercrime while safeguarding human rights and making sure that global digital spaces are protected, inclusive and adaptable to emerging threats.
Beyond its legal dimensions, the convention prioritizes inclusivity and equity, offering vital capacity-building support to countries with limited resources. It acknowledges that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue but a human rights imperative, ensuring protections for marginalized communities and safeguarding fundamental freedoms in the digital age.
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In our increasingly virtual world, the convention is a multilateral solution to the growing transnational threat of cybercrime. It facilitates around-the-clock cooperation, safeguards vulnerable individuals such as children from online exploitation, responds to victims' needs, and emphasizes the necessity of investments to better manage the risks and threats associated with cybercrime.
What are the next steps?
The Cybercrime Convention is expected to open for signature at a formal ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2025. Signing the convention signals a country¡¯s intent to join. is a crucial next step where countries "walk the talk" by gaining internal approval and ensuring domestic laws align with the convention¡¯s requirements. This convention requires at least 40 UN Member States to ratify it before becoming international law. Once the 40th country ratifies, it will take another 90 days for the convention to become legally binding for all those who have joined.