From 4 to 6 June 2025, the Council of Europe hosted the 15th Octopus Conference, a significant international forum on cybercrime. In partnership with Malta’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, this edition brought together over 500 cybercrime experts from more than 100 countries, reinforcing the essential role of global cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport, Glenn Micallef took part in the closing panel discussion and stressed the importance of unified efforts against cybercrime and of attracting young talents in the field and called for increased EU cybersecurity investment.
Throughout the Conference, discussions centred on harmonising international responses to pressing cyber threats such as non-consensual dissemination of intimate images (NCDII) and AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Participants highlighted the need for updated legal frameworks and stronger cross-border collaboration, leveraging international treaties like the Budapest Convention.
A significant highlight of the Conference was the participation of European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport, Glenn Micallef. During the closing plenary’s panel discussion, he underscored the necessity for unified efforts to tackle cybercrime, advocating for enhanced EU investment in cybersecurity. Commissioner Micallef particularly emphasised engaging youth, calling for a common approach to bolster resilience and attract top talent in the cybersecurity field.
Touching on forward-looking initiatives, Micallef announced a forthcoming EU-wide inquiry into the impact of social media on wellbeing and introduced an Action Plan against cyberbullying. This plan aims to combat rising cases through a unified definition, an awareness campaign, and strategic partnerships with large platforms and major tech companies.
The Conference also focused on the need for capacity building and integrating gender-sensitive perspectives and youth involvement in digital safety initiatives. These discussions aimed to shape a comprehensive approach to cybercrime that is both inclusive and effective.
In conclusion, the 2025 Octopus Conference reiterated that effective international cooperation remains the cornerstone of efforts to tackle the sophisticated and dynamic landscape of cybercrime. The participation and insights of European Commissioner Glenn Micallef highlighted the EU’s proactive role in fostering collaboration and developing innovative solutions to ensure a secure and equitable digital future.
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