The coalition includes the Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA), the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the American Bankers Association (ABA), the American Chemistry Council (ACC), ASIS International, the Association for Competitive Technology (ACT), the Bankers' Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT), the Business Roundtable, The Dow Chemical Company, the Financial Services/Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FSISAC), The Financial Services Roundtable, The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), InfraGard, the Internet Commerce Coalition and Verisign Inc.
Signed by the United States in November 2001, the Convention on Cybercrime is the first and only international, multilateral treaty specifically addressing the need for cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of computer network crimes. It requires global cooperation and law enforcement with respect to searches and seizures and provides timely extradition for computer network based crimes covered under the treaty. Ratification of the Convention on Cybercrime would minimize obstacles to international cooperation that currently impede U.S. investigations and prosecutions of computer-related crimes.
"The convention will provide a much-needed international framework to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of cyber crimes," said CSIA Executive Director Paul Kurtz. "We believe the convention will become a critical component of international law enforcement efforts and ratification will strengthen the confidence of the security and safety of online transactions."
"The premise of the Cybercrime Treaty is quite simple: to participate in the community of trading nations and benefit from global e-commerce, one should adhere to international standards, agreed upon legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms," said Robert Holleyman, President and CEO of the Business Software Alliance (BSA). "Senate ratification of this treaty is an important and necessary step to address the international law enforcement of cybercrimes and the much needed sanctions against cyber criminals."
"International cyber crime recognizes no borders and threatens the privacy and security of individuals and businesses around the world," said Cory N. Strupp, General Counsel for the Bankers' Association for Finance and Trade. "The Convention on Cybercrime is an important step in modernizing international standards to help prevent these crimes and track down the international criminals who perpetrate them."
The treaty serves as an important tool in the global fight against those who seek to disrupt computer networks, misuse private or sensitive information, or simply commit more traditional crimes by utilizing Internet- enabled technologies. To date, eight of the 42 countries that have signed the treaty have completed their ratification process.
"The InfraGard National Members Alliance supports the Convention on Cybercrime as a step toward enhancing global cyber security," noted Dr. Phyllis A, Schneck, Chairman and President, Board of Directors, InfraGard National Members Alliance.
"The 33,000 security professionals who belong to ASIS International, many of whom are responsible for protecting lives, property and information in critical infrastructures around the world, recognize the importance of cooperation between industries and nations in aggressively fighting crime," said Dan Consalvo, President of ASIS International. "In order to protect vital information, they need the significant investigative and enforcement capabilities that will be provided by the Convention on Cybercrime. ASIS urges the U.S. Senate to ratify it as quickly as possible."
Kurtz added, "With the ratification of the Convention, the United States would signal to the world that it was serious in its efforts to curtail the scourge of Internet-based crimes. Ratification would encourage other signatory countries to more rapidly ratify and lead to a larger number of nations becoming party to the Convention. The U.S. has the opportunity to strengthen international cybercrime laws by preventing criminals from hiding beyond the reach of those authorities protecting the rights of the world's law-abiding citizens."
