Cybercrime treaty seen to enhance online safety

MANILA, Philippines — Billions of people worldwide are set to benefit from enhanced safety online and in the physical world following the adoption of a legally binding treaty on cybercrime by the UN General Assembly.

The 193 United Nations member states adopted on Dec. 24, by consensus, the historic United Nations Convention against Cybercrime – the first of its kind following five years of negotiations. The landmark global treaty aimed at strengthening international cooperation to combat cybercrime and protecting societies from digital threats.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime said the Convention against Cybercrime acknowledges the significant risks posed by the misuse of information and communications technologies (ICT), which enable criminal activities on an unprecedented scale, speed and scope.

It highlights the adverse impacts such crimes can have on states, enterprises, and the well-being of individuals and society, and focuses on protecting them from offenses such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling and online financial crimes.

It also recognizes the growing impact of cybercrime on victims and prioritizes justice, especially for vulnerable groups. It further underscores the need for technical assistance, capacity-building and collaboration among states and other stakeholders.

The new Convention against Cybercrime will enable faster, better-coordinated and more effective responses, making both digital and physical worlds safer.

In 2023, 67.4 percent of the world’s population accessed the internet, according to the World Bank. People rely on connectivity for tasks ranging from communication and shopping to advanced research and innovation.

However, this connectivity also exposes more than two-thirds of the global population to the dangers of cybercrime. For those on the wrong side of the digital divide, the lack of resilience further increases vulnerability once they get online.

Cybercriminals exploit digital systems using malware, ransomware, and hacking to steal money, data and other valuable information. (ICT are also used to facilitate crimes such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering and fraud.

Regions like Southeast Asia have been described as “ground zero” for organized cybercrime operations, which are often highly sophisticated and coordinated. The threat is escalating, undermining economies, disrupting critical infrastructure, and eroding trust in digital systems.

Investigating transnational crimes, whether online or offline, depends heavily on electronic evidence, which poses unique challenges for law enforcement.

The Convention is the first global treaty to specifically address sexual violence against children committed with ICT.

The Convention against Cybercrime will open for signature at a formal ceremony to be hosted in Hanoi, Viet Nam, in 2025. It will enter into force 90 days after being ratified by the 40th signatory.