UN member states approved the first-ever multilateral treaty targeting cybercrime on August 8, despite strong opposition from human rights advocates and tech companies, according to international news outlets.
The United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime is intended to enhance international cooperation in combating cybercrime, particularly focusing on child sexual abuse imagery and money laundering.
The treaty, finalized after three years of negotiations and a two-week session in New York, was adopted by consensus and will now be submitted to the UN General Assembly for a formal vote.
Designed to help countries prevent and address cybercrime more effectively, the treaty will come into force once ratified by 40 member nations.
South Africa’s delegate welcomed the treaty as a “landmark convention,” highlighting its provisions for technical assistance and capacity building for countries with less developed cyberinfrastructure.
However, the treaty has faced criticism from human rights groups and technology companies. Critics argue that it could lead to increased global surveillance and potential repression.
Deborah Brown of Human Rights Watch warned that the treaty could be used to target journalists, activists, and other individuals, describing it as a “disaster for human rights.”
Nick Ashton-Hart of the Cybersecurity Tech Accord, representing over 100 tech companies including Microsoft and Meta, criticized the treaty for failing to address significant concerns raised by civil society and the tech sector. He urged nations not to sign or implement the treaty, fearing it could harm digital environments and human rights.
Some nations, such as Russia, have criticized the treaty for including too many human rights safeguards. During the session, Iran attempted to remove clauses related to human rights protections but was unsuccessful.
The treaty represents a significant development in global efforts to combat cybercrime, though it continues to spark debate over its potential impacts on privacy and freedom.