The treaty will come into effect once ratified by 40 member nations. It aims to enhance global efforts to combat cybercrime, focusing on issues such as child sexual abuse imagery and money laundering…reports Asian Lite News
Member states of the United Nations approved the first international treaty targeting cybercrime, despite strong objections from human rights activists concerned about potential surveillance risks. The United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime was adopted by consensus after three years of negotiations and a final two-week session in New York. The treaty will now be submitted to the General Assembly for formal adoption.
Algerian diplomat Faouzia Boumaiza Mebarki, chairwoman of the drafting committee, announced the adoption with enthusiasm, stating, “I consider the documents… adopted. Thank you very much, bravo to all!” The committee, established in response to Russia’s initial 2017 proposal, overcame resistance from the US and Europe.
The treaty will come into effect once ratified by 40 member nations. It aims to enhance global efforts to combat cybercrime, focusing on issues such as child sexual abuse imagery and money laundering. However, critics, including human rights groups and major tech companies, argue that the treaty’s broad scope could lead to excessive global surveillance and potential misuse for political repression.
The treaty allows member states to request electronic evidence and data from internet service providers in other countries for investigations of crimes punishable by at least four years of imprisonment under national laws.
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