UN chief hails landmark cybercrime convention signed by 65 nations as a crucial step in combating digital threats and protecting rights.
NEW YORK: In a historic step toward combating cybercrime on a global scale, 65 countries have officially signed the first-ever UN cybercrime convention. UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the treaty as a significant milestone in international efforts to fight increasingly sophisticated digital threats while upholding human rights online.
Describing the agreement as a “powerful tool,” Guterres stated that the convention enhances cross-border law enforcement collaboration — a long-standing challenge in cybercrime investigations. It provides a structured framework for countries to share digital evidence, track illicit financial flows, and recover stolen assets in real time.
The convention also establishes a 24/7 cooperation network, giving authorities around the world the ability to swiftly identify perpetrators of scams and cyberattacks. Guterres emphasised that the treaty balances security needs with human rights protections, setting a new global standard for digital accountability.
Though the signing is a crucial step, the UN Secretary-General acknowledged that the next phase — ratification and implementation by signatory countries — will be critical for its success. “The UN Cybercrime Convention gives countries a powerful new tool to prevent and combat cybercrime — while protecting human rights online,” he said.
Cybercrime continues to evolve rapidly, posing threats to individuals, businesses, and national security. From phishing scams to large-scale ransomware attacks, digital crime is now a multi-billion-dollar global issue. The convention signals a unified global stance and the UN’s commitment to ensuring digital safety in a connected world.
