The lines of cooperation targeted by the agreement include the creation of synergies between the two institutions within the framework of the Legálitas Legal Observatory, as well as research projects supported by the team of experts in cybercrime at UIC Barcelona. The institutions will also work to improve and consolidate a support system for cyber victims that includes not only specialised lawyers, but also psychologists and criminologists, all of who will be trained in cybercrime and cybersecurity. 

Another of the agreement’s key points is united action to raise awareness of cybervictimisation through advertising campaigns and publicity days. The final priority is cooperation in the area of training, in the form of the new Master’s Degree in Cybercrime at UIC Barcelona, which is due to start in September and is already sparking great interest. The Foundation’s involvement in this programme will consist of providing expert lecturers and job placement opportunities for the master’s students. 

According to Juan Pardo Calvo, director-general of the Legálitas Foundation, “for the Legálitas Foundation, offering support to the most underprivileged collectives, particularly minors, on how to responsibly use new technologies is one of our key objectives. That is why it is so important to sign this kind of agreement with institutions such as UIC Barcelona, which have proven to be particularly sensitive to cybervictimisation. This alliance will also be a key instrument for increasing awareness of the Legálitas LAB, a laboratory that promotes and supports innovative projects which make Law more accessible to the general public and improve the legal profession”. 

José Ramón Agustina, director of the Master's Degree in Cybercrime, went on to say that, “in recent years, the risks of cybervictimisation have increased manifold on an individual and community level and in business. This rise in numbers requires increased training for all professionals in contact with the various threats and cybercrimes. The aim of the master’s degree is to meet this need, and is at present the only programme to offer comprehensive training, not just technical training”. 

The new Master’s Degree in Cybercrime at UIC Barcelona is a one-year course that is due to start in September and combines both on-site and online teaching. It is the first postgraduate programme in Spain and Latin America that takes a critical look at the issue from a legal, criminological and procedural perspective. More information.