Hate the Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty

The proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty, driven by Russia and facilitated by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, aims to enhance international cooperation against cybercrime. However, critics, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), argue that the treaty poses significant risks to civil liberties. The draft convention, which has been under scrutiny for over two years, grants governments extensive surveillance and data collection powers that extend beyond cybercrime to any offense they classify as serious, potentially criminalizing activities like political dissent or support for marginalized communities.

Tech companies may be compelled to assist governments in accessing user data, raising concerns about privacy and human rights violations. EFF describes the treaty as a "blank check for surveillance abuse," warning that it could facilitate transnational repression and undermine fundamental rights globally. The organization, along with various civil society partners, is actively campaigning to highlight the treaty's flaws and advocate for necessary amendments. They emphasize the importance of public awareness regarding the treaty's implications, as it threatens freedoms and rights worldwide. The EFF plans to release a series of posts detailing the real-world consequences of the treaty, urging stakeholders to recognize its potential dangers and take action against its current provisions.