Fostering International Cooperation to Address Cybercrime

The development of the internet and digital technologies has enabled multiple innovative solutions to some of the world’s urgent issues. Yet, unrestricted use of these tools has brought along calamities in the form of cybercrime that costs people’s safety, money, and wellbeing.

A Double-edged Sword

Around 5.5 billion people were online in 2024, representing 68% of the world’s population. The figure shows a three percentage point increase from the previous year, highlighting yearly growth in the number of people connected to the internet.

This connectivity has benefited us in many ways, including fostering digital activism and organic movements to support human rights and other important causes. On the flip side, unfortunately, this very space that connects us has also become a breeding ground for various harmful activities, dubbed cybercrime.

From money laundering and online gambling to human trafficking and scams, multiple criminal acts enabled by unrestricted digital technologies are escalating. In East and Southeast Asia, cyber-enabled fraud resulted in financial losses of 18–37 billion USD in 2023.

Furthermore, misinformation and disinformation, hate speech, and sexual harassment spread through the internet also pose risks to people’s wellbeing, especially women and children.

UN’s Cybercrime Treaty

The internet is almost entirely borderless. Therefore, addressing cybercrime requires strong international cooperation. Without collaboration and a shared framework, investigating, collecting evidence, and conducting law enforcement processes can be difficult, especially when the crimes involve perpetrators and victims from multiple countries.

In this light, the Convention against Cybercrime aims to address the need for a global framework and agreement on combating cybercrime. The Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2024 following a five-year-long development process by the UN Member States.

The focus is to provide a global framework and standard that facilitates the access and exchange of electronic evidence for investigation and prosecution, while safeguarding data privacy and human rights. The Convention also specifically addresses sexual violence against children committed through information and communication technologies, as well as encourages Member States to provide recovery services for cybercrime victims.

“With the adoption of this Convention, Member States have at hand the tools and means to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime, protecting people and their rights online,” said Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly.

A Global Effort

In October 2025, 65 nations signed the cybercrime treaty, which will enter into force 90 days after it is ratified by the 40th signatory. The treaty serves as momentum to accelerate global-scale efforts to eliminate cybercrime and safeguard our welfare and wellbeing. Countries are urged to develop nationwide strategies, build capacity among relevant parties, and provide support and care for victims. No less important is to address the digital divide as part of strengthening people’s resilience and safety online.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

Join Green Network Asia – An Ecosystem of Shared Value for Sustainable Development.

Learn, share, network, and get involved in our movement to create positive impact for people and the planet through our public education and multi-stakeholder advocacy on sustainability-related issues and sustainable development.