30 Countries Sign Convention to Combat Cybercrime

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, November 24, 2001

30 Countries Sign Convention to Combat Cybercrime

Representatives from the 26 Council of Europe members, the United States, Canada, Japan and South Africa on Friday signed a convention on cybercrime in efforts to enhance international cooperation in combating computer-based crimes.

The Convention on Cybercrime, drawn up by experts of the Council of Europe, is designed to coordinate these countries' policies and laws on penalties on crimes in cyberspace, define theformula guaranteeing the efficient operation of the criminal and judicial authorities, and establish an efficient mechanism for international cooperation.

The pact, approved by the representatives at the end of their two-day conference here, also made clear the definition and fact establishment of such crimes as illegally entering and searching computer systems, and infringing copyrights and neighboring rights.

Providing, saving, and spreading pictures and literature of child pornography via computer is a criminal offense which should be dealt with severely, the pact said. Many delegates at the conference pointed out the fact that withthe rapid development of information technology, cybercrime is becoming increasingly more rampant.

The online criminal is turningcomputer technology and the Internet into the locale to carry out crimes and the channel to acquire and swap information. They said many countries have become more aware of the need forformulating a global pact to boost international cooperation in the fight against computer-based crimes.

Some delegates also hoped that more countries would accede to the pact. To come into force the convention must first be ratified by at least five countries, including three Council of Europe members.

The Council of Europe is an inter-state human rights body set up in 1949 with 43 member states.