Convention on Cybercrime

The Convention of Cybercrime treaty took place in Budapest in 2001. It requires that everyone who joins the treaty establish laws against cybercrime. Also, countries must make sure that their law enforcement has the necessary authorities to investigate and prosecute cybercrime offenses, as well as provide international cooperation to other parties in the treaty when fighting computer crimes. An additional protocol was implemented to make any racist and xenophobic propaganda online a criminal offense. Essentially, the convention's main purpose is to pursue a common criminal policy against cybercrime. The United States became part of this treaty on January 1, 2007.

For a more detailed summary, go here.

Council of Europe

Convention date: November 23, 2001

Entry into force in U.S.: January 1, 2007