New cybercrime rules

Russia: human rights are a “misstep”

Five years of negotiations came to an end last week.(Bild: UN Photo Manuel Elias)

At Russia's initiative, UN bodies adopted new, stricter rules to combat cybercrime last week. Critics fear that these rules will now be used to restrict freedom of expression and persecute members of the opposition. And: Does the West have to support Russian or Iranian espionage?

Russia has not minced its words. Stricter surveillance laws are needed because "under the guise of human rights", pedophilia, drug trafficking and Hitler worship are being protected. The UN body responsible waved this proposal through last Friday, surprising many observers. Is Putin now reading your smartphone?