HANOI, Oct 25 (Reuters) – A landmark United Nations cybercrime treaty, aimed at tackling digital offences that cost the global economy trillions of dollars every year, is set to be signed in Hanoi, Vietnam, over the weekend by around 60 countries.
The convention will take effect once ratified by 40 nations. It is designed to improve international cooperation in fighting cybercrime. However, several rights groups and technology firms have criticised the agreement, warning that it could lead to potential human rights abuses if implemented poorly.
Global threat drives the need for action
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said during the opening ceremony that cyberspace has become fertile ground for criminals. “Every day, sophisticated scams defraud families, steal livelihoods, and drain billions of dollars from our economies,” he said.
Guterres described the treaty as a powerful and legally binding instrument to strengthen collective defences against cybercrime. According to the UN, the convention covers a wide range of crimes such as phishing, ransomware, online trafficking, and hate speech. It highlights estimates showing cybercrime costs the global economy trillions of dollars annually.
Vietnam highlights global cooperation
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong said the signing marks not only the creation of a global legal framework but also the vitality of multilateralism. He said the convention shows that countries are overcoming differences and taking shared responsibility for peace, stability, and development.
For Vietnam, hosting the treaty is also an opportunity to enhance its global reputation and improve its own cyber defences amid increasing attacks on key infrastructure.
Rights concerns and criticism from tech groups
Despite widespread support, critics remain cautious about the treaty’s implications. The Cybersecurity Tech Accord, whose members include Meta and Microsoft, called it a “surveillance treaty.” The group warned that it might allow governments to share user data excessively and even criminalise ethical hackers who test systems for vulnerabilities.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which led the negotiations, said the treaty contains safeguards to protect human rights and supports legitimate cybersecurity research.
Western powers join signing amid controversy
Diplomats and officials from the European Union, the United States, and Canada are among those attending the signing ceremony in Hanoi. However, Vietnam’s role as host has drawn controversy.
The U.S. State Department recently voiced concerns about human rights conditions in Vietnam, including online censorship. Human Rights Watch reported that at least 40 people have been detained this year for expressing dissent on digital platforms.