The new version is intended to clarify certain passages that were publicly criticised by groups such as the Global Internet Project (GIP), an international group of senior internet executives from leading telecommunications, hardware, software, financial services and content companies.
The Council said in a brief statement that the text of the new draft reflects the comments of the various parties that have been consulted, including states, industry and non-governmental organisations concerned with human rights, copyright etc. It hopes the Convention will be adopted next December.
The treaty is an attempt to harmonise the laws against hacking, fraud, viruses, internet pornography and other cybercrime and the procedures for investigating and prosecuting such crimes. The 41 member states of the Council were assisted by representatives of non-member states, including the US, South Africa and Japan.