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55 Comp. & Int'l L.J. S. Afr. 1 (2022)

handle is hein.journals/ciminsfri55 and id is 1 raw text is: Article

Assessing the Effectiveness of Extradition and the
Enforcement of Extra-territorial Jurisdiction in
Addressing Trans-national Cybercrimes
Phenyo Sekati
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6365-2415
Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
psekati09@gmail.com
Abstract
Cyberspace operates on a geographically borderless platform, thus often
rendering national laws ineffective in regulating the impact of cyber-related
activities outside South African borders. Recognising this issue, South Africa
adopted the Cybercrimes Act, which permits the exercise of extra-territorial
jurisdiction over trans-national cyber-related offences. The enforcement and
effectiveness of extra-territorial jurisdiction and extradition law have, however,
proven to be challenging and controversial in the international sphere. Issues
such as internet fragmentation, contrasting municipal laws, and uncoordinated
regulatory actions across state boundaries have undermined existing provisions
regulating trans-national cybercrimes. These issues are furthered by the
increased recognition of human rights, such as the right to privacy, which has
deterred international cooperation and collaboration as states are subsequently
required to subject their own citizens and entities to increased interception and
scrutiny. The main thesis of this investigation is aimed at reviewing the practical
implications surrounding the enforcement of extra-territorial jurisdiction and
extradition law over trans-national cybercrimes. To this end, states are implored
to develop both domestic and multilateral cybercrime laws and to improve
existing enforcement mechanisms outlined in extradition law and mutual
assistance agreements.
Keywords: Cybercrimes; trans-national; traditional crimes; international co-operation;
extradition laws; mutual assistance
UNISA
Comparative and International Law Journal of Southern Africa  https://doi.org/10.25159/2522-3062/10476
https://unisapressjournals.co.za/index.php/CILSA  ISSN 2522-3062 (Online), ISSN 0010-4051 (Print)
Volume 55 Number 112022 #10476 36 pages                        © Unisa Press 2022