UN Convention against Cybercrime: International breakthrough in Vietnam!

UN Convention against Cybercrime: International breakthrough in Vietnam!

On October 26, 2025, the time had come: 65 countries met in Hanoi, Vietnam, to sign the “UN Convention to Combat Cybercrime”. This means that a milestone in international cooperation in the digital space is just around the corner. This agreement could significantly change the way global cybercrime is combated. Line Today reports that the convention will come into force once at least 40 countries ratify it.

The ambitious agreement aims to establish a legally binding instrument that strengthens collective defense against cybercrime. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency of meeting the challenges of cybercrime together. At a time when cyberattacks harm families and cost economies billions every day, the need for increased collaboration is becoming increasingly clear. Loud United Nations News The agreement was adopted after five years of intensive negotiations and establishes the first universal framework for the investigation and prosecution of online crimes.

The content of the convention

The new laws that member states must bring into force are extensive. These include rules to combat data hacking, document forgery, online fraud and even the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. The aim is to facilitate the exchange of electronic evidence between countries, while at the same time establishing a 24/7 cooperation network. However, critics warn that this could be misused as a surveillance tool in authoritarian states. The Cybersecurity Tech Accord has called the agreement a “surveillance treaty,” and human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch also have concerns about privacy and freedom of expression.

Reactions and concerns

Particular attention is paid to the voices of human rights organizations that denounce the restrictions on press freedom and the repression against critics in countries such as Vietnam. According to HRW, at least 40 people were arrested this year alone because of their online statements. The signing location, Vietnam, has been criticized as the country is known for its strict internet censorship. 19 organizations highlighted that the agreement in its current form does not adequately protect whistleblowers and journalists, with potentially dangerous consequences for democracy.

However, the Convention also presents opportunities, particularly for developing countries, which could benefit from the opportunity to access technical assistance and training. In his address, Guterres emphasized the importance of Vietnam in the global digital supply chain and called for rapid ratifications of the convention to ensure its implementation not only in wealthy states, but also in countries with fewer resources.

The Thai government also attended the historic event and expressed its determination to actively combat cybercrime. Thailand is currently planning new laws to strengthen the fight against cybercrime and has already implemented measures against online fraud. In this globalized digital landscape, individual and collective cyber security is at stake, and continued dialogue between nations will be critical to the success of this agreement.

In the future, it will be exciting to see how this convention will influence the international legal system and the fight against cybercrime worldwide. The challenges are great, but perhaps 65 countries together can bring about positive change.