UNODC proposes database system, education to fight identity theft

On the first day, delegates in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) discussed the topic of reducing identity-related crime on an international level. They agreed that the root causes of identity-related crime could be attributed to the lack of awareness on cyber security among citizens and the increasing use of the Internet, and developed the solution of educating the public. Constructing a mutual database and dispatching manpower to assist less-developed countries (LDCs) were also proposed, giving rise to a heated debate.

The attention was brought to education regarding identity-related crime after the opening speeches as the majority of delegates agreed that it can be an effective and powerful strategy in strengthening cyber wellness. With Singapore questioning the exact implementation, Japan suggested to launch talks and conferences that instruct the public how to avoid scams. Switzerland then introduced the necessity of conducting courses that target specific groups such as the youths and the elderly, since these people are less alert towards identity theft. Courses can be imparted in schools, reaching out to students; in populated areas like shopping malls that have more audience; or in community centers. Interestingly, Australia claimed that publishing handbooks on identity related crime, as well as distributing them to the public, is a feasible solution in developed countries considering the citizens' high literacy rate and sufficient financial support on the side of the government.

However, for third world countries, both their economy and literacy rate are unpromising, and thus publishing handbooks would not be viable. The delegate of Fiji, on behalf of the developing countries, spoke out to seek the cooperation of developed countries for manpower support, requesting sophisticated cybersecurity specialists to be dispatched to their countries. Singapore, together with Australia and Japan, formed an alliance to help LDCs, and agreed to send their experts to train the local employees on combating identity theft. "But note that this act is not charity work. Our experts should be paid for their dedication," added the delegate of Singapore.

Furthermore, the delegates of Fiji and Thailand indicated that less-developed countries were also facing the issue of corruption and funding, and sought other countries for assistance. China then came up with the solution of tightening government regulation and sending reliable officials from other countries to carry out supervision. The latter method was rebutted by Thailand, over worries of meddling with the internal government affairs of foreign nations.

Meanwhile, a database system proposed by the delegate of Australia would allow countries to solve the identity theft issue more effectively. “The database is housed in every country but only contains information of that particular country. If at all possible, the delegate of Australia would implore the members of the UNODCto create another branch to monitor the performance.” said the delegate of Australia. Important information of a nation’s citizens would be stored in a database in its own region. Nations can seek permission from other nations to use the data to deal with identity theft.

This database system poses a few concerns and drawbacks, evident in how blocs responded to the proposal. Though the whole council was amicable on setting databases, a bloc including Japan and Thailand argued for the trust of other nations. They believe that countries may seek permission from other countries with an illicit purpose. However, the delegate of China and the delegate of Australia claimed that this can be prevented by imposing multilateral economic sanctions on members that do not follow the agreement and commit dishonest acts to other countries.

Talks continue as the UNODC tries to tackle identity theft. The finalized solutions would be passed in the resolution paper, which will be introduced later in the day.