With the globalization of cyberspace and the increasing digitalization of human activities, the collection of digital evidence has become a cornerstone of modern criminal justice. Yet, this process is fraught with obstacles arising from data volatility, encryption, jurisdictional fragmentation, and privacy regulations. This article examines the fundamental challenges in obtaining and authenticating digital evidence and explores how international cooperation frameworks—such as the Budapest Convention and mutual legal assistance treaties—serve as mechanisms to overcome these barriers. Using a qualitative legal-analytical method grounded in comparative international law, the study highlights inconsistencies between national legislations and demonstrates that no state can effectively investigate digital crimes in isolation. The paper argues that harmonized international standards and enhanced cross-border data-sharing frameworks are essential to ensure the reliability, admissibility, and timeliness of digital evidence in transnational criminal proceedings.

digital evidence, cybercrime, international cooperation, mutual legal assistance, jurisdiction, digital forensics, cybersecurity, data privacy, Budapest Convention, cross-border investigation

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