Table of contents
- A long-awaited treaty: the UN takes on cybercrime
- Four pillars for global digital unity
- Defining the digital battlefield: new crimes recognized
- Balancing security and human rights
- From signing to enforcement: what’s next?
- A truly global treaty
A long-awaited treaty: the UN takes on cybercrime
After five years of negotiations, 2024 marked a turning point in international justice with the approval of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, a historic agreement aimed at building stronger, more inclusive cooperation against digital threats. Glen Prichard, head of the Cybercrime and Money Laundering Section at UNODC, called it “a victory for multilateralism.”
The Convention addresses the criminal use of information and communication technologies, providing a shared legal framework for 155 countries.
Four pillars for global digital unity
At the heart of the Convention are four key principles:
- International cooperation in cybercrime investigations and digital evidence sharing
- Technical assistance to help developing countries build their cyber capabilities
- Legal harmonization to align different national laws
- Cross-border emergency procedures via a 24/7 communication network
These tools will improve global efforts to tackle cybercrime, including online child grooming, ransomware, and data theft.
Defining the digital battlefield: new crimes recognized
Beyond classic offenses like illegal access and system interference, the Convention introduces new cyber-related crimes that had never before been addressed by international law:
- Online child grooming
- Non-consensual sharing of intimate images
- Laundering of cybercrime proceeds
This expands upon the existing Budapest Convention, widely seen as Eurocentric and lacking input from countries in the Global South.
Balancing security and human rights
One of the most sensitive issues tackled by the Convention is the protection of human rights. The agreement mandates that digital cooperation and extradition procedures must respect both international standards and national laws.
Prichard noted that the treaty “contains the strongest set of human rights protections of any criminal justice treaty in existence.”
From signing to enforcement: what’s next?
The official signing ceremony will take place in Hanoi in October 2025, with signatures accepted until December 2026. The Convention will enter into force once 40 countries have ratified it.
While ratification timelines will vary, there is cautious optimism that this agreement will soon become a powerful global tool.
A truly global treaty
Unlike the Budapest Convention, which was developed mostly by European countries, the new UN agreement was built on a much more inclusive process. Countries from the Global South, previously excluded, played an active role in the drafting process.
This multilateral spirit is one of the Convention’s strongest features, ensuring a wider, more representative approach to cyberspace governance.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the UN Cybercrime Convention?
It’s an international treaty adopted in 2024 by 155 nations to fight cybercrime. - When will the Convention come into force?
After 40 countries ratify it. The signing will take place in October 2025. - What crimes are covered?
From hacking and online fraud to child grooming and intimate image sharing. - How will countries cooperate?
Via a 24/7 digital communication network and fast exchange of electronic evidence. - Are human rights protected?
Yes, the treaty includes strong legal guarantees similar to the Budapest Convention. - Is this a replacement for the Budapest Convention?
No, it complements it but introduces new crimes and broader global participation. - Why was a new treaty needed?
Because many countries, especially from the Global South, weren’t involved in drafting the Budapest Convention. - What are the four main pillars of the Convention?
Cooperation, technical assistance, legal harmonization, and evidence exchange. - Is technical assistance mandatory?
No, but it is highly encouraged to promote global equality in cyber capabilities. - What’s the next step for countries?
Sign, ratify, and implement the Convention through national legislation and infrastructure.
