To fight ICT-based crimes like child pornography, money laundering, fraud and terrorism through the internet, countries worldwide are turning to the Council of Europe's innovative Cybercrime Convention, which includes provisions for a 24 hours per day, 7 days per week online crime-fighting network and facilitates public-private partnerships.
Held on 11 and 12 June in Strasbourg, the conference gathered over 140 cybercrime experts from 55 countries, international organisations and the private sector to promote the Convention - the only internationally binding instrument against cyber crime.
To date, the Convention has been ratified by 21 states and signed by another 22, including
non-Council of Europe states. Indeed, reforms to fight web-based crime based on Convention guidelines are already underway in Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, India, Nigeria, Pakistan and the Philippines.
Experts agreed that cybercrime is an increasing threat worldwide - and the conference included detailed discussions on specific web-based threats such as malicious codes and software, spam mail that carries such software, "botnets," which spread adware and spyware, fraudulent online virtual pay systems and web-based sexual exploitation of children.
The Convention’s Protocol on Xenophobia and Racism - to date ratified by 11 and signed by another 20 states - includes specific provisions to fight hate crimes on the web.
During the conference, the Microsoft Corporation outlined the benefits from its public-private partnership with the Council of Europe. Microsoft attorney Tim Cranton called for three major rules for such partnerships to assure better cooperation between industry and law enforcement bodies, and balance privacy rights with security needs: open communication, a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities and trust between the two partners.
Looking ahead, the Council of Europe will contribute to the next meeting of the Internet Governance Forum to be held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2007.
