Senior US sources said that despite worries that authoritarian nations could abuse it, the Biden administration intends to support a contentious cybercrime convention at the UN this week.
The deal, which would be the first legally binding UN cybersecurity agreement, could establish a global legal framework for nations to work together to stop and investigate cybercrime. Critics worry, though, that authoritarian governments would use it to gather information from political rivals or try to track down dissidents abroad.
Nevertheless, the officials stated that there are strong arguments in favor of the deal. For example, they claimed it would promote the prosecution of content related to child sexual abuse and the unconsented dissemination of private photos.
Additionally, one official stated that the US would have greater access to cybercrime and electronic evidence due to the increased participation of member states. The pact will update extradition treaties and give more options to capture and extradite cybercriminals if all countries sign it, the official continued.
The United States’ participation in the accord was questioned in hundreds of submissions from advocacy groups and other stakeholders. According to the officials, the US intends to rigorously enforce the treaty’s human rights and other protections, and the Department of Justice will carefully consider requests and decline to offer any help that violates the accord.
Last month, six Democratic senators wrote that the treaty could “legitimize efforts by authoritarian countries like Russia and China to censor and surveil internet users, furthering repression and human-rights abuses around the world. While the executive branch’s efforts to steer this treaty in a less-harmful direction are commendable, more must be done to keep the convention from being used to justify such actions.”
In its current form, the convention was “a serious threat to privacy, security, freedom of expression and artificial intelligence (AI) safety,” the letter added.
The person stated that although the deal is anticipated to pass the UN vote, it was extremely improbable that the US government would ratify it unless human rights controls were put in place.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: CIO News LinkedIn Account | CIO News Facebook | CIO News Youtube | CIO News Twitter
About us:
CIO News is the premier platform dedicated to delivering the latest news, updates, and insights from the CIO industry. As a trusted source in the technology and IT sector, we provide a comprehensive resource for executives and professionals seeking to stay informed and ahead of the curve. With a focus on cutting-edge developments and trends, CIO News serves as your go-to destination for staying abreast of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and IT. Founded in June 2020, CIO News has rapidly evolved with ambitious growth plans to expand globally, targeting markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, USA, and the UK.
