Australia signs UN's Global Treaty Against Cybercrime

Australia has formally signalled its commitment to strengthening global cybersecurity by signing the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, the first comprehensive international treaty designed to prevent, detect and combat cybercrime worldwide. The Convention opened for signature on 25 October 2025 at a high-level ceremony in Hanoi, Viet Nam, where Australia joined 71 other nations in endorsing this pivotal global agreement.

A Major Step in International Cyber Cooperation

Adopted by the UN General Assembly on 24 December 2024, the Convention establishes a unified global framework for addressing cybercrime and facilitating the secure, lawful exchange of electronic evidence across borders.

Australia’s signature highlights its commitment to:

• Strengthening international cooperation in combating cyber-enabled threats

• Improving the sharing of electronic evidence for serious crimes

• Enhancing the capacity of national law enforcement and justice systems

• Contributing to global efforts to ensure a safer and more secure digital environment

This move reinforces Australia’s broader cyber strategy and aligns with ongoing government initiatives to uplift national cyber resilience.

What the Convention Means for Australia

The treaty’s nine chapters offer a clear pathway for countries to modernise investigative tools, harmonise legal frameworks and incorporate human rights safeguards while responding to cybercrime. For Australia, signing the Convention:

• Enhances alignment with global cybercrime standards

• Supports law enforcement in accessing timely electronic evidence

• Strengthens partnerships with international counterparts

• Helps counter increasingly sophisticated cybercriminal operations

Australia will now progress the domestic processes required for ratification before formally becoming a State Party.

The Road to Entry Into Force

The Convention will enter into force once 40 States ratify or accede to it. After this threshold is met, the Conference of the States Parties will begin meeting regularly to monitor implementation and strengthen cooperation among nations.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will continue supporting countries, including Australia, in ratifying and implementing the treaty through technical assistance, training and capacity-building initiatives.

A Significant Milestone for Cyber Governance

Australia’s participation in the UN Convention against Cybercrime reflects a strong, proactive stance toward combating digital threats and reinforces its leadership in promoting a safe, secure and trusted global digital ecosystem.

To learn more about the Convention, including the full text and current signatory list, visit the United Nations webpage.