The UN General Assembly has adopted the new United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, the first international criminal justice treaty negotiated in over two decades.
Adopted by consensus — without a vote — by the 193-member General Assembly, the landmark global treaty is aimed at strengthening international cooperation to combat cybercrime and protect societies from digital threats.
The Convention against Cybercrime acknowledges the significant risks posed by the misuse of information and communications technologies, which enable criminal activities on an unprecedented scale, speed, and scope. It addresses crimes committed using information and communications technology systems, and highlights the adverse impacts such crimes can have on States, enterprises, and the well-being of individuals and society.
The Convention targets offenses ranging from online fraud and hacking to more severe issues such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and child exploitation, and focuses on protecting against offenses such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and online financial crimes.
The Convention emphasizes prevention and urges nations to invest in training for public and private sectors as well as initiatives to raise awareness about cybercrime risks. The Convention also recognizes the growing impact of cybercrime on victims and prioritizes justice, especially for vulnerable groups, underscoring the need for technical assistance and capacity-building, particularly for developing countries.
