The United States has declined to sign the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, a treaty aimed at fostering international cooperation to combat cybercrime. This decision highlights the US government's concerns over sovereignty, privacy, and the potential for misuse of the treaty's provisions. The Budapest Convention, established by the Council of Europe, is the first international treaty seeking to address internet and computer crime by harmonizing national laws, improving investigative techniques, and increasing cooperation among nations. Despite its widespread adoption by many countries, the US remains outside the treaty framework, preferring bilateral agreements and other mechanisms to address cyber threats. This stance has sparked debate among cybersecurity experts and policymakers about the effectiveness of international collaboration in fighting cybercrime. The US government's position underscores the complexities of balancing national security interests with global efforts to create a unified front against cybercriminal activities. The article delves into the implications of this decision for international law enforcement cooperation, the challenges of cyber diplomacy, and the evolving landscape of cyber threats that require coordinated responses. It also examines alternative strategies the US employs to engage with global partners on cybersecurity issues without committing to the treaty's terms.
This Cyber News was published on therecord.media. Publication date: Mon, 27 Oct 2025 21:15:16 +0000