Legislation aimed at strengthening New Zealand’s fight against cybercrime passed its first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced.
The new bill, designed to align the country’s laws with the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, is set to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to better detect, investigate, and prosecute online criminal activity.
The Budapest Convention is the only binding international treaty on cybercrime, facilitating cooperation among member countries on criminal investigations.
Goldsmith said that in 2023, 11% of New Zealanders were victims of cybercrime and fraud, which caused significant financial and emotional harm. By joining the convention, New Zealand signals its commitment to tackling cybercrime and enhancing international collaboration.
Key provisions in the bill include new “preservation directions” under the Search and Surveillance Act, allowing law enforcement to preserve potential evidence. Additionally, amendments to the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act will enhance New Zealand’s ability to cooperate with foreign countries in criminal investigations, while minor changes to the Crimes Act ensure that offences related to cybercrime are comprehensive and aligned with the Convention’s requirements.
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“Online criminal activity” will be the fastest moving goalpost in record human history.