UN Adopts Cybercrime Convention Amid Global Concerns

The United Nations (UN) Ad Hoc Committee has officially adopted a convention on cybercrime, marking the culmination of three years of debate. This convention, which aims to combat the misuse of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes, will be presented to the UN General Assembly later this year.

The adoption of this convention is the first global instrument on cybercrime, reflecting significant international collaboration. However, it has sparked concerns from human rights experts and civil society organizations worldwide.

The updated draft text of the convention emphasizes the need for enhanced coordination and cooperation among states, including technical assistance, capacity-building, and technology transfer on mutually agreed terms. It also highlights the importance of improving national laws and frameworks to effectively address cybercrimes.

The convention calls for cooperation among national, regional, and international organizations, civil society, academia, and private entities to tackle the growing issue of cybercrime.

During the Ad Hoc Committee meeting, Nepali diplomat Shivani Basnet from Nepal’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York expressed support for the convention. She stated, “We firmly believe this convention not only amplifies the voice of all nations but also reinforces the principle of multilateralism as we come together to tackle the shared challenges of cybercrime.”

Basnet emphasized the need for technical assistance and capacity building for Nepal to bridge the cooperation gap and enhance readiness against cybercrime. She also highlighted the importance of safeguarding human rights within the convention.

The Geneva Internet Platform noted that the convention is designed as a criminal justice legal instrument aimed at addressing specific criminal behaviors rather than regulating state actions.

Global organizations focused on technological freedoms and human rights have raised concerns about the potential for increased state surveillance under the convention. The Freedom Forum, a civil society organization from Nepal, has joined a global alliance advocating for stronger human rights protections within the convention.