The United Nations is planning to hold a signing ceremony this coming weekend in Vietnam to bring into force the legally binding Cybercrime Convention. The main aim of the Convention is to make responses to cybercrime quicker, better coordinated, and more effective and is the first globally negotiated and adopted convention text on cybercrime.
The UN warns that this Convention is needed because 66% of all people are vulnerable to cybercrime, something that undermines economies and trust by exploiting digital systems with malware, ransomware, and hacking, or by facilitating other crimes such as trafficking and fraud.
When the agreement comes into force, State Parties to the Convention will have access to a 24/7 network to facilitate urgently needed cooperation. The network will assist in sharing electronic evidence, requesting cooperation on investigations and prosecutions, mutual legal assistance, extradition, and the identification and seizure of crime proceeds.
The Convention is notable because it’s the first-ever global agreement that specifically protects children against online child grooming. It expands existing protections and provides governments with more tools by criminalizing offenses related to online child sexual abuse or exploitation material.
According to UNODC, the Convention encourages assistance and protection of victims, which States will deliver in accordance with their domestic law. It aims to assist victims with physical recovery, compensation, restitution, and the removal of illicit consent.
Interestingly, according to Reuters, the Convention has been criticized by activists, major tech companies, and even the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, claiming that it could be abused because of its vague language on crime, with some saying it could facilitate rather than combat illegal activities.
Reuters also mentioned that a list of signatories has not yet been released, but the European Union and Canada are expected to sign it - they said it includes safeguards to protect human rights. The US State Department hasn"t said whether someone from the US will be attending the ceremony.