SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of External Affairs
The first-ever United Nations Convention on Cybercrime was formally opened for signature in Hanoi, with about 72 nations signing the landmark treaty. Among the initial signatories were major global partners, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union. Adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024 after five years of negotiation, this convention establishes the first universal legal framework for investigating and prosecuting a range of cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes, from ransomware and online financial fraud to the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Notably, India participated actively in the negotiation process but has not yet signed the treaty, leaving its official position open for the time being. The core of the treaty is to strengthen international cooperation by mandating the prompt and efficient sharing of electronic evidence across borders and establishing a crucial 24/7 cooperation network among member states. For the treaty to become legally binding and enter into force, it requires ratification by 40 states.
This Convention is highly significant as it provides nations with a unified international legal tool to prosecute cybercriminals operating from foreign jurisdictions, a crucial step for the security of India’s fast-growing digital economy. India’s decision to hold off on signing signals careful evaluation of the treaty’s human rights and data privacy safeguards against its existing domestic legal standards, which is a major regulatory concern for future implementation.
What is the difference between cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes addressed by the treaty? → Cyber-dependent crimes are offences that can only be committed through the use of an information technology system, such as hacking, malware attacks, or unauthorized system access; whereas cyber-enabled crimes are traditional offences like fraud, theft, or money laundering that are significantly carried out or enhanced using digital devices, computers, or the internet.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What specific amendments are required in India’s domestic legislation, such as the Information Technology Act, to fully align with and ratify the procedural and investigative requirements of this new UN Convention?
Follow the full news here: Seventy-two nations sign first UN treaty to fight cybercrime, in milestone for digital cooperation.