This concludes my discussion of the combating of online crime by sovereign countries. However, the most difficult question of fighting online crime still remains. Now we need to focus on how online crime can be combated by using international instruments within the sphere of International Law. In the sphere of international relations, sovereign countries have used the treaty process to govern certain aspects that mutually affect them. To answer this question, let us first look at what the treaty process entails.
Treaties are high level documents that are signed by governments.
This shows that the government is prepared to accept certain contractual obligations and to be bound by the treaty. Treaties are often negotiated for a very long time. When it is signed, it might take a further number of years to enter into force, for example where a multilateral treaty only enters into force when a substantial number of countries have signed it. This long process could have a negative effect on combating online crime. Technology develops at an astonishing pace, and no doubt criminals will find new ways to commit crimes online.