A landmark United Nations cybercrime treaty is set to be signed in Hanoi this weekend by about 60 countries, marking a major global push to combat online offences that drain trillions of dollars from the world economy each year. The convention, which will come into force once ratified by at least 40 nations, aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation against crimes ranging from phishing and ransomware to online trafficking and hate speech.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described cyberspace as “fertile ground for criminals,” warning that sophisticated scams are destroying livelihoods and weakening economies. Vietnam’s President Luong Cuong hailed the treaty’s signing as proof that multilateralism remains alive, saying the pact reflects nations’ willingness to rise above differences in pursuit of global peace, security and development.
However, the convention has drawn sharp criticism from activists, tech groups and cybersecurity advocates, who fear its broad definitions could enable surveillance overreach and human rights abuses. The Cybersecurity Tech Accord — which includes Microsoft and Meta — labelled it a potential “surveillance treaty,” arguing it could criminalise ethical hacking and expand state access to user data. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which led negotiations, insists the final text includes safeguards for human rights and legitimate research.
Vietnam’s hosting role has also stirred controversy, given repeated concerns over censorship and the arrest of online dissidents. Still, Hanoi views the treaty as a chance to elevate its global profile and bolster defences amid rising cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. With the U.S., European Union and Canada among the signatories, the agreement sets the stage for a new era of international cyber cooperation — though its long-term impact will hinge on how governments choose to wield its powers