Globalization of Computer Networks: The Need for Accession to Regional Cybercrime Treaties

Abstract

Cross-border communication and data sharing are now more feasible than ever due to the globalization of computer networks.  Criminals exploit this connection, making the criminal justice system more vulnerable. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is aware of the national security challenges that have been exposed while integrated into the global information network. To do this, a lot of work is indispensable to build capacity and implement international best practices, robust policy, and an effective legal framework. Ethiopia adopted the Information Security Policy in 2011, with the legal objective of preventing, deterring, responding to, and prosecuting acts of crime against information and information infrastructure, and protecting the confidentiality, availability, integrity, and authenticity of information. Most of the principles in the policy were incorporated in Computer Crime Proclamation No.958/2016. The Proclamation criminalizes different offenses on a computer or a computer system with new legal mechanisms and procedures to prevent, control, investigate, and prosecute computer crimes and facilitate the collection of electronic evidence. However, the legitimacy of criminal justice authorities to secure electronic evidence is argumentative, as it is not subject to any conditions or safeguards for human rights as rule of law safeguards. Then the purpose of the paper is to provide a comprehensive understanding of Ethiopian cybercrime, highlighting the benefits of harmonizing national law with other cybercrime treaties to combat cybercrime effectively.