UN Approves Its First Cybercrime Treaty

News Desk 

New York: The United Nations (UN) member states approved the organization’s first treaty aimed at addressing cybercrime on Thursday, despite strong objections from human rights advocates who raised concerns about potential surveillance risks.

After three years of negotiations and a final two-week session in New York, the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime was adopted by consensus and will be submitted to the General Assembly for formal endorsement.

Algerian diplomat Faouzia Boumaiza Mebarki, chair of the treaty drafting committee, announced, “I consider the documents… adopted. Thank you very much, bravo to all!” to applause.

The treaty’s development began in 2017 following a proposal from Russia, despite opposition from the US and Europe. It will come into effect once ratified by 40 member countries and aims to enhance the prevention and prosecution of cybercrime, particularly concerning child sexual abuse material and money laundering.

However, critics, including human rights organizations and major tech companies, argue that the treaty’s broad scope could lead to global surveillance and be used for repression.

The treaty allows member states to request electronic evidence and data from internet service providers in investigations of crimes punishable by at least four years in prison.