United Nations delegates from around the globe have converged in Midtown Manhattan for final discussions on the formulation of an international convention on cybercrime, signalling a collaborative effort in an age dominated by digital interactions.
Sources close to the negotiations have revealed to The Record that while the final agreement might not pave a revolutionary pathway in the fight against cybercrime, its successful navigation to a General Assembly vote next year would be a significant achievement.
The world saw its first glimpse of an international commitment against cybercrime in 2001 with the signing of the Budapest Convention.
However, this wasn't a UN-backed treaty and failed to secure signatures from major nations such as China, Russia, India and Brazil, which are often labelled by Western nations as hubs for organised online criminal activities.
A watershed moment arrived in May 2021 when the UN passed a resolution to draft a convention aimed at countering the misuse of digital technologies for illicit activities. The aspiration is to bring it to a vote by September 2024 in the General Assembly.
Delegates from across the United Nations are in Midtown Manhattan this week and next for the final negotiations regarding a new international convention on cybercrime. https://t.co/8e0OtjY6Vo— The Record From Recorded Future News (@TheRecord_Media) August 23, 2023
Arduous journey
The journey towards this draft has seen notable backing, though the path hasn't been devoid of disagreements over its scope.
Different states have pitched in with their priorities, even if they risk limited support.
An earlier attempt in January by the Chinese representatives in Vienna to label the "dissemination of false information" online as cybercrime was deemed controversial and subsequently omitted.
Recent discussions in New York also witnessed Pakistani and Iranian diplomats advocating for the recognition of religious insults as a cybercrime. This proposal, too, met resistance.
Enforcement is primary concern
Enforcement remains a primary concern for the treaty, especially concerning criminal factions housed in Russia – a nation with a firm stance against extraditing its citizens and a sparse record of prosecuting individuals indicted by Western nations.
The ongoing deliberations in New York are overseen by a committee spearheaded by an adept chairperson who has, thus far, adeptly navigated toward consensus.
As per diplomatic insiders, the process, steered by experienced diplomats, hasn't faced any insurmountable disagreements yet, although the days ahead will determine the final shape of this anticipated treaty.