A landmark United Nations agreement on cybercrime, aimed at curbing offenses that cost the global economy trillions of dollars each year, is due to be signed by representatives of dozens of states in Hanoi this weekend. The U.N. says the convention is an unprecedented step that will make responses to cybercrime faster and more effective. It will enter into force once 40 countries have ratified it.
Who is expected to sign
The full list of signatories has not been published. The European Union and Canada say they will sign and that the text includes safeguards to protect human rights. The U.S. State Department declined to say whether an American representative will attend the ceremony. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled to attend on Saturday.
Why critics are worried
Activists, major tech companies and the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights have warned that vague drafting around what constitutes a crime could invite abuse. The Cybersecurity Tech Accord coalition, which includes Meta and Microsoft, has called the pact a “surveillance treaty,” arguing it eases government-to-government sharing of personal data and could make it easier, not harder, for criminals to operate. The High Commissioner cautioned during negotiations that overly broad definitions of cybercrime are often used to impose unjustified limits on freedom of expression.
Access Now’s Raman Jit Singh Chima said the treaty could facilitate the extradition of people prosecuted by their own governments and that holding the signing in Vietnam “sends a very bad message” to human-rights defenders.
Vietnam as host
Vietnam has faced criticism over its rights record. A U.S. State Department report in August cited significant human-rights issues, including restrictions on online free expression. Human Rights Watch says at least 40 people have been arrested this year in Vietnam for alleged offenses that include anti-state online posts. Vietnamese officials say the country is also experiencing a surge in cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and large firms and that deeper international cooperation could help identify perpetrators.
What the treaty covers
According to the U.N., the convention targets a wide range of offenses, from phishing and ransomware to online trafficking and hate speech. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which led the talks, says the agreement contains provisions to protect human rights and lets states refuse cooperation requests that conflict with international law. UNODC adds that the convention encourages states to permit lawful research activities, amid concerns from activists and tech firms that ethical hackers who test systems for vulnerabilities could be criminalised, especially when their findings expose sensitive government flaws.
What comes next
Once opened for signature, the convention will require 40 national ratifications to enter into force. Supporters say it will create clearer pathways for cooperation and evidence-sharing across borders. Critics will be watching closely to see how states implement safeguards in domestic laws and whether protections for free expression and security research are upheld in practice.
Source: CNA-Reuters