The recently approved UN Cybercrime Convention marks a significant step forward in the global fight against cybercrime. However, it also raises serious concerns about the balance between digital security and human rights. This article delves into the convention’s implications, highlighting the potential risks to digital liberties and the need for robust safeguards. Through the active participation of the Knowmad Institut and a coalition of global organizations, we explore how to ensure that this legislation becomes a pillar of a safe and just internet, rather than a tool of repression.

During the recent sessions of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Cybercrime, various countries have presented significant proposals to reach a consensus on the list of crimes to be included in the international legal framework. The debates have been intense but focused on balancing diverse perspectives, highlighting the importance of international cooperation to effectively address cybercrime.

On behalf of the Knowmad Institut, the C4 Recovery Foundation, and the Misión Sacerdotal – sva, we are honored to present this joint statement. Our recommendations carry the voices of the most vulnerable populations and seek to ensure that the Convention balances the fight against cybercrime with the fundamental principles of human rights, international cooperation, and sustainable development.

The Knowmad Institute, along with the C4 Recovery Foundation and the Priestly Mission, has presented a joint statement to the Ad Hoc Committee, highlighting the need to balance the fight against cybercrime with the protection of fundamental human rights and promoting international cooperation and sustainable development.

The first two days of the concluding session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime were filled with intense debates and various proposals on the updated draft of the convention. The discussions reflected the different perspectives of participating countries and civil societies, highlighting the need to balance security, human rights, and international cooperation.

Balancing cybersecurity with human rights protection is essential. This post compares recommendations from the Knowmad Institut, OHCHR, and Microsoft, highlighting shared concerns about privacy, security, and international cooperation. These documents provide a foundation for policies that effectively combat cybercrime while respecting fundamental rights.