UN general assembly adopts landmark treaty to combat cybercrime

On Tuesday, the general assembly adopted the landmark United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, a global treaty to strengthen international cooperation to combat cybercrime and protect societies from digital threats.

UN secretary-general Guterres hailed the adoption of the treaty – the first international criminal justice treaty negotiated in more than a couple of decades. This agreement is a demonstration of multilateralism succeeding during difficult times, he said.

In today’s digital era, information and communications technologies (ICT) hold the potential to ensure societal progress. But they also increase the risk of cybercrimes. Through the adoption of the treaty, Member States can protect people and their rights online.

The treaty notes the major risks posed by the misuse of ICT. It highlights the impacts such crimes can have on people and society, and focuses on protecting them from offences such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling and online financial crimes.