Journalism Campaign Group Warns UN Cybercrime Treaty Could Expand Surveillance Powers

The International Press Institute said the global agreement would allow countries to expand spying powers and cybercrime laws to censor expression.

The United Nations headquarters building is pictured in New York on July 13, 2023. Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

A global journalism campaign claims that an upcoming United Nations global cybercrime treaty will give authorities sweeping surveillance powers.

On Aug. 6, the International Press Institute (IPI), a group of media professionals advocating for global press freedom, wrote that a new global convention backed by Russia, China, and others could usher in a new era of “transnational surveillance and repression.”