The convention enhances global cooperation to combat cybercrime, expanding offenses, supporting victims, respecting sovereignty, and addressing emerging digital threats through multilateral efforts. India has not signed yet.

Why in the News?

Recently, 72 of the 193 member states signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi, Vietnam.

About United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime

Convention was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 24 December 2024.
It will enter into force 90 days after the 40th State deposits its ratification.
- The signing process will remain open until 31 December 2026.
- India has not signed the treaty yet.
UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) served as secretariat to negotiations.
UN Convention Against Cybercrime is the first universal legally binding framework for the collection, sharing and use of electronic evidence for all serious offences.
- Budapest Convention on Cybercrime (2001), drafted by the Council of Europe, was the first international treaty focused on combating cybercrime and strengthening cross-border cooperation.
- A number of states such as Russia and China have rejected the Budapest Convention and have long advocated for a new international cybercrime convention.

Key features of the Convention Against Cybercrime

Expanded Scope of Cyber Offences: It criminalize cyber-dependent crimes and also offences related to online fraud, online child sexual abuse, non-consensual dissemination of intimate images etc.
International Cooperation: It establishes a 24/7 network to boost international cooperation.
Protection of sovereignty: States Parties shall carry out their obligations under this Convention in a manner consistent with the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States and that of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of other States.
Victim Support: The Convention encourages States to provide victims with access to recovery services, compensation, restitution, and the removal of illicit content. This support will be delivered according to each country's domestic laws.
Respect for human rights: States Parties to ensure that the implementation of their obligations under the Convention is consistent under international human rights law.

Significance of the Convention

Relevance of Multilateralism: The convention marks the victory of multilateralism, reflecting collective will of States to promote international cooperation for combating cybercrime.
Tackle Rising Digital Threats: Global cybercrime costs are projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, as per industrial experts.
Helping Global South States: Global convention would help developing countries who often lack robust cybersecurity infrastructure.
Emerging Challenges: It provides a cooperative framework to address new and evolving threats such as AI-driven cyberattacks, deepfakes, disinformation campaigns etc.

Conclusion

The UN Cybercrime Convention marks a milestone in global cooperation against cyber threats, promoting prevention, capacity-building, and multilateral solidarity. Its success depends on protecting rights, preventing misuse, aiding developing nations, and adapting to evolving technologies for a secure digital ecosystem.