On October 9, 2024, Kenya, Malawi, and Papua New Guinea were invited to join the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, valid for five years. This initiative results from ongoing capacity-building efforts by the Council of Europe and aims to provide increased support to these nations through various projects, bringing the total number of affiliated states to 96.
On October 9, 2024, during the 1509th Meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies, Kenya, Malawi, and Papua New Guinea were officially invited to accede to the Convention on Cybercrime, also known as the Budapest Convention. This invitation remains valid for five years from its adoption date and aligns with ongoing capacity-building initiatives advanced by the Cybercrime Programme Office of the Council of Europe (C-PROC). Consequently, these nations will gain enhanced support through the GLACY-e and Octopus Project initiatives. With these new additions, the total number of states affiliated with this convention now comprises 76 Parties, along with two signatories and 18 invitees, culminating in a total of 96 states active in the Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY).
The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, initiated by the Council of Europe, serves as an international treaty aimed at addressing cybercrime through law enforcement and judicial collaboration. It provides a framework for countries to enhance their capacity for tackling cybercrime effectively. The recent invitations signify the treaty’s growing influence and the global recognition of the necessity for coordinated cybercrime measures, especially as cyber threats continue to evolve.
The inclusion of Kenya, Malawi, and Papua New Guinea into the Budapest Convention underscores a significant stride towards international collaboration in combating cybercrime. With the continued support of the Council of Europe through initiatives like GLACY-e and the Octopus Project, these nations are poised to enhance their cybersecurity frameworks. The growing number of participating states illuminates the collective commitment to fostering a safer cyber environment.
Original Source: www.coe.int
