Two UN processes - peace, and cybercrime --- To add to this discussion, it will be interesting to observe if, and how, the negotiations on cybercrime convention will get connected to the work of OEWG and GGE.

The 'West' is strongly against this - they emphasise that GGE/OEWG work is under the 1st Committee, and should not be in any way mixed or connected with the discussions on cybercrime which is under the 3rd Committee. There are many arguments, including the risk of slipping into discussions on content policy/control (which is present in cybercrime negotiations).

Russia and their partners, on the other hand, are very eager to see a treaty that would limit internet openness and allow national censorship and content control; it is shooting from all the cannons - proposal on Code of Conduct (related to international peace), and a proposal for a Cybercrime convention. It is interested to connect the two.

For now, it seems cybercrime process is more ripe to bring a draft treaty (though it will be a long process). It will be interesting to observe if and how GGE and OEWG reports will be referenced in this cybercrime dialogue - I bet mainly by Russia and its partners, rather than by the US and its partners. Yet, the GGE norms also have references to cooperation in case of cybercrime, and 'due diligence' of countries to provide assistance if attacks are coming from their territories - which is of great importance for combating cybercrime.

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu