• A legally binding treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in December 2024 to combat cybercrime globally.
• Objective: Prevent and combat cybercrime, enhance international cooperation, and protect human rights in cyberspace.
• Adoption and Signing: Finalized after five years of negotiations and unanimously adopted by all 193 UN member states. The signing ceremony is scheduled for 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

• Addressing Cybercrime: Targets crimes like terrorism, human trafficking, financial fraud, drug smuggling, and data theft via ICT platforms.
• Victim-Centric Approach: Focuses on protecting victims, particularly vulnerable groups, and ensuring justice.
• International Cooperation: Promotes evidence-sharing, joint investigations, and capacity-building among Member States.
• Safeguarding Human Rights: Balances cybersecurity needs with the protection of freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information.
• Adaptability: Allows for additional protocols to address emerging cyber threats.
• Capacity-Building: Provides support for developing cybercrime legislation, building infrastructure, and enhancing law enforcement capabilities.
• 7. Public Awareness: Encourages global education campaigns and proactive measures to prevent cyber offenses.

• Landmark in International Law: The first international criminal justice treaty in over 20 years, symbolizing a universal commitment to cybersecurity..
• Strengthening Cybersecurity: Provides tools and mechanisms to mitigate ICT-enabled threats affecting global security and economies.
• Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Prioritizes justice and protection for marginalized communities impacted by online crimes.
• Economic and Social Benefits: Protects global economies, promotes investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, and safeguards individuals.
• Flexibility for Future Threats: Provisions for additional protocols to adapt to challenges like AI-driven cyber threats.

PYQ:

[2022] What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.