Ghosts in the Machine of Government:
United Nations Global Commission on Cybercrime
In an age where political dissent can be silenced with a single breach and elections manipulated from other countries, one force threatens global democracy: cybercrime. The United Nations Global Commission on Cybercrime (UNGCC) brings together member states to confront the rising danger of politically motivated cyber threats, such as attacks that undermine institutions, erode civil liberties, and blur the boundaries of international law. From election interference and digital disinformation to the weaponization of spyware and cross-border surveillance, the stakes are high and the threats are increasingly complex.
Delegates will explore the legal grey zones around foreign meddling in democratic processes, the militarization of critical electoral infrastructure, and the accountability of states and non-state actors alike. At the heart of this debate lies a core tension: how to reconcile national security with human rights, transparency with intelligence, and sovereignty with an interconnected digital landscape. With real-world cases spanning from the Pegasus spyware scandal to cyber-harassment during #EndSARS, and the manipulation of voter data through Cambridge Analytica, this commission challenges delegates to build the legal, ethical, and political architecture needed for a more secure and just cyber future. The conflict unfolds in cyberspace, but its impact is felt in every corner of society.
COMMITTEE DOCUMENTS
Background guide coming soon…
CONTACT
Have questions? Reach out to our Co-Directors of General Assemblies, Agata Capomasi and Harmanpreet Pahwa, at ga@utmun.org.