Adapting the Budapest Convention to address emerging cyber threats

Aim: This paper examines the necessity of adapting the Budapest Convention to address emerging cyber threats, including ransomware, the misuse of cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence(AI), Internet of Things (IoT) vulnerabilities, and cross-border jurisdictional challenges. The paper highlights the legal gaps and proposes updates to ensure the Convention remains relevant in combating evolving cybercrimes. Methodology: A comparative legal research approach is employed, analyzing the current provisions of the Budapest Convention alongside case studies of emerging Cyber threats. The research integrates doctrinal analysis and practical insights, including reviews of international legal frameworks, technological developments, and enforcement practices. Findings: The study identifies significant gaps in the Budapest Convention, including the lack of provisions addressing advanced cybercrime methods and the challenges of cross-border enforcement. These gaps hinder the Convention's ability to address contemporary Cyber threats effectively. The paper suggests concrete reforms, such as incorporating provisions for AI-driven crimes, cryptocurrency regulations, and enhanced cross-border cooperation mechanisms. Value: This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on international cybercrime law by proposing actionable updates to the Budapest Convention. It provides a roadmap for policymakers and legal practitioners to enhance the Convention's relevance and effectiveness in tackling the dynamic landscape of cyber threats while safeguarding fundamental rights.