UN approves first treaty targeting cybercrime

United Nations member states have reached a consensus on a groundbreaking treaty aimed at combating cybercrime, including the distribution of child sexual abuse material.

The UN Convention Against Cybercrime was approved on Thursday after three years of intense negotiations, according to the AFP. 

The treaty is designed to enhance global efforts to prevent and combat cybercrime more efficiently, targeting offenses such as child exploitation and money laundering.

Once ratified by 40 member states, the treaty will be formally adopted by the UN General Assembly and come into force. Under the new agreement, a member state can request electronic evidence from another country if it is linked to a crime punishable by at least four years of imprisonment. The treaty also allows for data requests from internet service providers.

Despite its approval, the treaty has faced criticism from human rights advocates and major tech companies. They argue that its broad scope could be exploited as a global surveillance tool, potentially leading to repression.