Historic Success Against Cybercrime: United Nations Convention against Cybercrime
In a historic diplomatic step, the United Nations (UN) announced the final version of the draft convention on combating cybercrime (UN Draft Convention on Combating Cybercrime / Draft) on 9 August 2024. In addition to being a historic achievement in terms of international law, Draft is also the first global agreement on cybercrime.
Draft will be implemented by UN member states in the following matters as a rule:
- – Preventing, investigating and prosecuting the criminal offences identified under the Draft, including the freezing, seizure, confiscation and extradition of the proceeds of cybercrime.
- – Collecting, obtaining, preserving and sharing evidence electronically for the purposes of criminal investigations or prosecutions.
Draft also covers a wide range of cybercrimes, such as data breaches, computer- related offences, content-related offences and money laundering, while encouraging the harmonization of national laws.
It includes a comprehensive action plan that provides member states with the necessary legal tools and mechanisms to effectively combat cybercrime.
Recognizing the challenges in investigating and prosecuting cybercrime, Draft provides a framework to promote international cooperation in the collection of electronic evidence. It also paves the way for more efficient procedures by accelerating judicial co-operation, extradition, transfer of criminal cases and information sharing.
UN Convention against Cybercrime Draft has been adopted by the United Nations Ad Hoc Committee and is now pending final approval by the UN General Assembly. If adopted by the UN General Assembly, this Draft will be the first of its kind.
The full text of the UN Convention against Cybercrime is Draft available here.
Successful