WHY THE WORLD NEEDS A UNITED CYBER DEFENCE

First global agreement on cybercrime aims to harmonise laws, boost cooperation, and defend the vulnerable

- BY ELYAZIA JASIM ALHOSANI | Special to Gulf News

The current wave of technological advancement has created extraordinary opportunities for development, human well-being, innovation, and creativity — yet it has also brought significant safety challenges.

The rise of transnational cybercrime has made it possible for organised criminal groups to threaten cyberspace and victimise individuals and institutions worldwide. This reality underscores the urgent need to build sustainable national capacities for combating cybercrime, coupled with a dynamic international response to prevent the exploitation of the vulnerable and the draining of national economies.

After five years of negotiations among UN Member States and around 160 entities, the United Nations Convention on Countering Cybercrime was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024. It represents the first UN convention to promote international cooperation, protect human rights, and facilitate the exchange of digital evidence to prosecute cybercriminals.

Transnational organised crime extends to the sexual exploitation of women and children via social media platforms, the disruption of public services through cyberattacks, and the illegal trade of narcotics and other contraband in digital black markets.

These groups employ sophisticated technologies to evade accountability and maximise profits.

A global threat with escalating costs