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Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes
Treaty Type:
Multilateral
Common Name:
Cybercrime Ad Hoc Committee
Responsible Department:
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Administering Department:
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Treaty Summary:
The objectives of the convention shall be:
• To promote and strengthen measures to prevent and combat the use of ICTs for criminal purposes/cybercrime, while protecting ICT users from such crime.
• To promote, facilitate and support international cooperation in preventing and combating the use of ICTs for criminal purposes/cybercrime.
• To provide practical tools to enhance technical assistance among States Parties and build the capacity of national authorities to prevent and combat the use of ICTs for criminal purposes/cybercrime, and strengthen measures to promote the exchange of information, experiences and good practices.
NZ Adherence Status:
In Progress
Negotiation Status:
There have been two sessions, with a third planned later in 2022. More information on these sessions, as well as other meetings, and intersessional consultations, can be found at Ad Hoc Committee - Home (unodc.org)
Organisation:
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Is Signed By NZ:
No
Signature Date:
Ratified or Signed:
No
Requires Ratification:
No
NZ Territorial Applications:
None
Information about required Legislation:
Impacts on Maori:
Potential impacts of the treaty on Māori interests have been identified through a separate, ongoing process to accede to another international cybercrime treaty, the Council of Europe’s Budapest Convention. Issues raised by Māori stakeholders include adverse effects on Māori data sovereignty, data capture and distribution, impacts on cultural IP protection, and the discrimination of minority groups in domestic and international judicial processes. These issues are being closely monitored during the UN cybercrime treaty process and Māori stakeholder groups and individual subject matter experts are specifically targeted during regular, iterative consultations on New Zealand’s negotiating position.
Impacts on Stakeholders:
The negotiating mandate outlines a commitment to ongoing consultation with interested domestic stakeholders throughout the negotiating process. Targeted groups include a range of private sector, civil society, academics and Māori stakeholder groups. Concerns exist around the potential for government overreach and unnecessary regulation of private sector firms, as well as the potential for some aspects of the treaty to cause adverse effects on human rights, particularly the freedom of expression and the right to privacy.
Link To Legislation:
Treaty Text Link:
Contact Information:
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