Cybercrime: new Council of Europe rules for cooperation at international level

To increase global efforts against cybercrime, the Council of Europe has opened for signature the Second Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. In 2022, the Council adopted a Decision to authorise Member States to sign the Protocol, following the proposal of the Commission. The Budapest Convention is the foundation for anti-cybercrime legislation in 80% of countries worldwide and has been signed by all EU Member States. The Second Additional Protocol provides tools to improve co-operation and disclosure of electronic evidence, while protecting fundamental rights, including with strong data protection safeguards. Such tools include for instance direct co-operation with service providers in other jurisdictions, co-operation in emergency situations, and joint investigation teams. More information about the Protocol can be found here.