PNG signs UN Cybercrime Convention to protect citizens online

L-R, Oala Moi, Steven Matainaho, David K. Nanopoulos (Chief, Treaty Section, UN Office of Legal Affairs), Delphine Schantz (Regional Rep. UNODC, Regional Office for SE Asia and the Pacific) (Image: Supplied)

Papua New Guinea has joined 65 other countries in signing the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, a global effort to fight rising cyber threats.

The signing took place yesterday at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi, Vietnam, where Steven Matainaho, Secretary for the Department of Information and Communications Technology, signed on behalf of PNG under the authority of Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko. He was accompanied by Oala Moi, Chief Legal Officer of NICTA, who helped negotiate the treaty last year.

Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr said the move follows two Cabinet decisions for PNG to ratify international agreements on cybercrime. PNG is also expected next month to join the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, further strengthening the country’s digital laws and cooperation with other nations.

“Acceding to both the Hanoi Convention and the Budapest Convention will provide a foundation for stronger cooperation, harmonized laws, and coordinated responses to digital threats,” Minister Tsiamalili said.

Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing global threats, causing losses of over USD 9.5 trillion in 2024 and expected to exceed USD 10.5 trillion in 2025. It affects citizens, businesses, and governments alike, making international collaboration vital.

Secretary Matainaho signs for PNG before David K. Nanopoulos, (Chief, Treaty Section, UN Office of Legal Affairs) (Image: Supplied)

Minister Tsiamalili said the Department of ICT will now work with the United Nations and the Council of Europe to review and improve PNG’s national laws, including:

Updating the Cybercrime Code Act and Electronic Transactions Act
Introducing Digital ID, Cybersecurity, and Data Protection laws
Strengthening coordination between DICT, the National ICT Authority, the Police Cybercrime Unit, and the upcoming eSafety Directorate

“This will be one of the most important reforms for our digital sector,” he said. “It will ensure Papua New Guinea is prepared, protected, and resilient in the digital space and in the digital age.”

The UN Cybercrime Convention was adopted in December 2024 and will officially come into force 90 days after 40 countries ratify it.