Canada signs United Nations Convention against Cybercrime
News release
July 16, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced that Canada has signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime; Strengthening International Cooperation for Combating Certain Crimes Committed by Means of Information and Communications Technology Systems and for the Sharing of Evidence in Electronic Form of Serious Crimes.
Canada’s signing of the convention reflects its commitment to working with allies and partners to combat transnational crime, which threatens the economic prosperity and safety of Canadians and their businesses. This landmark treaty provides a legal basis for international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. It represents a significant step forward in helping countries around the world protect their people against cybercriminals and deliver support to victims.
By signing it, Canada has joined other countries and partners, including civil society organizations, in supporting the child protection provisions and human rights safeguards embedded in the treaty. The convention’s safeguards are among the strongest found in an international criminal justice treaty.
Canada and its international partners are committed to ensuring that criminal justice policy is firmly grounded in the rule of law and developed through the meaningful involvement of a broad range of stakeholders.
Quotes
“Cybercrime is a global threat that requires a global response. Canada's signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime reflects our commitment to international cooperation to prevent serious crimes. Together, we will stand up to cybercrime while reinforcing trust in digital technologies and the global fight against transnational crime.”
- Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“As cyber threats continue to evolve and become increasingly sophisticated, international cooperation is essential to protecting Canadians and ensuring cybercriminals are held accountable. This convention will support the efforts of law enforcement and strengthen our collective ability to prevent and combat cybercrime, while respecting privacy and the rule of law.”
- Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety
“Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated technologies to commit serious crimes across borders and increase the scale and scope of their criminal activity. Law enforcement needs the right tools to work with international partners, investigate these crimes more quickly, and stop more harm before it happens and hold those involved accountable. Our government is strengthening international cooperation to help keep pace with evolving threats and keep Canadians safe.”
- Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Quick facts
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After years of work, the convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 24, 2024, and first opened for signature in Hanoi, Vietnam, on October 25, 2025.
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As of July 16, the convention has 78 other signatories: Algeria, Angola, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Czechia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, the European Union, Fiji, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Ireland, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Türkiye, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
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The convention will come into force once it has been ratified by 40 states. At present, three states have ratified.
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Canada actively participated in negotiations for the convention, playing a constructive role and advancing Canadian priorities, including respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
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Contacts
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