On Thursday, UN member states approved a treaty targeting cybercrime. This marks the first of such text from the organization despite strong opposition from human rights activists who raised concerns about potential surveillance risks.
After three years of negotiations and a final two-week session in New York, the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime received consensus approval and will be forwarded to the General Assembly for formal adoption.
Algerian diplomat Faouzia Boumaiza Mebarki, chairwoman of the treaty drafting committee, expressed gratitude and received applause after declaring the documents adopted.
The committee formed despite opposition from the US and Europe, following Russia's initial push in 2017.
The treaty will take effect once ratified by 40 member nations to prevent and combat cybercrime, particularly concerning child sexual abuse imagery and money laundering.
South Africa’s delegate praised the treaty as a “landmark convention,” highlighting its provisions for technical assistance and capacity building to support countries with less developed cyber infrastructures.
