Cybercrime: a threat to democracy, human rights and the rule of law
Terrorist groups, pornographers and paedophile networks, illegal traffickers in weapons, drugs and human beings, money launderers and cybercriminals exploit this vulnerability. The expansion of new communication tools makes it easier for them to develop their activities. The Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, which entered into force in July 2004, is the only binding international treaty on the subject to have been adopted to date. It lays down guidelines for all governments wishing to develop legislation against cybercrime. Open to signature by non-European states, the convention also provides a framework for international co-operation in this field. An additional Protocol outlaws acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed through computer systems. Web Content DisplayConference on Cybercrime: Budapest Convention ten years after its adoption
Achievements and challenges were discussed at the annual Council of Europe conference on cybercrime, organised on 21 and 22 November in Strasbourg, which was followed by a special meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of the Convention on 23 November 2011. (more...)
Web Content DisplayUnited Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (12-19 April 2010, Salvador, Brazil) ''The implementation of existing tools and instruments, in particular the Budapest Convention, is the most effective way to help countries worldwide address cybercrime'' – this was the main message successfully delivered at the 12th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (12-19 April, Brazil). (more ...) | Multimedia
As societies worldwide become ever more dependent on information and communication technologies, they are also increasingly vulnerable to cybercrime, including identity theft, financial fraud, cyber attacks and the misuse of social networks. Many of these crimes are committed not against states or organisations, but against individuals. |
The extraordinary development of information technology has obvious consequences for ''traditional'' organised crime. While the use of data processing systems and networks is undeniably a step forward for society, it also makes it more vulnerable.
The Budapest Convention still represents the only accepted international treaty to protect freedom, security and human rights online.