16 hours Ago By CNBCTV18
The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday adopted the Convention against Cybercrime, a historic treaty designed to strengthen international collaboration in combating cyber threats and protecting societies in an increasingly digital world. The legally binding agreement marks the culmination of a five-year effort involving UN Member States, civil society, cybersecurity experts, academia, and private sector representatives. UN Secretary-General António Guterres hailed the adoption as a testament to global unity amid challenging times.
“This treaty is a demonstration of multilateralism succeeding during difficult times and reflects the collective will of Member States to promote international cooperation to prevent and combat cybercrime,” his spokesperson said. The treaty establishes a framework for cross-border evidence exchange, victim protection, and crime prevention, while emphasising safeguards for human rights online. Guterres urged all Member States to join and implement the treaty, ensuring a secure and collaborative digital future.
Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly, underscored the treaty's significance in addressing both the opportunities and vulnerabilities of digital advancement. “With the adoption of this Convention, Member States have at hand the tools and means to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime, protecting people and their rights online,” Yang said. The resolution was adopted without a vote by the 193-member Assembly, reflecting a broad consensus on the urgency of tackling cybercrime.
Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), described the treaty as a “major victory for multilateralism” and a critical step in addressing issues such as online child exploitation, sophisticated scams, and financial crimes. She reaffirmed the UNODC’s commitment to supporting nations in signing, ratifying, and implementing the treaty, ensuring they have the necessary tools to protect their economies and digital infrastructure from cyber threats..
