The global telecommunication body, International Telecommunication Union(ITU), has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to make the internet a better place for commerce, business and people. They will work as partners to ensure that the internet is free from crime. This will come by developing legislative frameworks, legal structures, for partner countries.
These are two UN agencies and for the first time, they will work hand in hand to curtain a menace that continues to undermine the penetration of internet across the globe. In a statement, ITU Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun Touré stated:
“This new alliance with UNODC is a major milestone in implementing a coordinated global approach to an increasingly serious global problem.
“Together, our two agencies will generate powerful synergies that will help all interested countries fight the scourge of cyberthreats and cybercrime and create a safer online environment for all,”
The ITU also hired Symantec as a consultant to help them understand patterns of cybercrime toward developing the right mitigating plan.
About ITU
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues, and the global focal point for governments and the private sector in developing networks and services. For 145 years, ITU has coordinated the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoted international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, worked to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, established the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems and addressed the global challenges of our times, such as mitigating climate change and strengthening cybersecurity.
ITU also organizes worldwide and regional exhibitions and forums, such as ITU TELECOM WORLD, bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the telecommunications and ICT industry to exchange ideas, knowledge and technology for the benefit of the global community, and in particular the developing world.
From broadband Internet to latest-generation wireless technologies, from aeronautical and maritime navigation to radio astronomy and satellite-based meteorology, from convergence in fixed-mobile phone, Internet access, data, voice and TV broadcasting to next-generation networks, ITU is committed to connecting the world.
ITU is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and its membership includes 192 Member States and more than 700 Sector Members and Associates.