A major United Nations treaty designed to fight cybercrime an issue draining trillions of dollars from the global economy every year is expected to be signed by delegates from several countries in Hanoi this weekend, though critics warn of potential threats to human rights.
The accord, which will take effect once 40 nations ratify it, represents a first-of-its-kind global framework that the UN says will make tackling cyber offences faster and more coordinated.
However, human rights advocates, leading technology firms, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have raised concerns about the treaty’s vague definitions of crime, arguing that it could open the door to abuse instead of curbing online wrongdoing, reports Reuters.
While the list of countries signing the deal remains undisclosed, the European Union and Canada have confirmed their participation, saying the agreement includes measures to safeguard civil liberties. The U. State Department, however, declined to confirm whether Washington would send a representative to the event.
Vietnam’s role as host draws scrutiny
Criticism has emerged over Vietnam’s selection as host, with observers citing its rights record. A U.S. State Department report released in August pointed to “significant human rights issues” in the country, including online censorship.
According to Human Rights Watch, at least 40 people have been detained in Vietnam this year for alleged anti-state activities, many linked to social media posts.
Officials in Hanoi view the summit as an opportunity to strengthen the nation’s international standing and reinforce its cyber defence capabilities. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to attend the signing on Saturday.
Critics warn of ‘surveillance treaty’
The Cybersecurity Tech Accord—a coalition of major companies including Meta and Microsoft—has branded the treaty “a surveillance treaty,” claiming it enables governments to exchange personal data and could end up “making it easier, not harder, for criminals to engage in cybercrime.”
According to the UN, the convention covers a wide range of digital crimes such as phishing, ransomware, trafficking, and hate speech, with global losses estimated in the trillions annually.
Yet the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned during negotiations that “laws with overly broad definitions of cybercrime are frequently used to impose undue restrictions on the right to freedom of expression.”
Raman Jit Singh Chima of Access Now said the pact could be used to justify extraditing individuals targeted by authoritarian governments. The decision to hold the signing in Vietnam “sends a very bad signal” to human rights advocates, he added.
Vietnam has been facing a rise in cyberattacks on key infrastructure and large businesses, said Le Xuan Minh, head of cybersecurity at the Ministry of Public Security, at a recent press briefing. He noted that enhanced global cooperation would help identify attackers more effectively.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which led the negotiations, said the treaty contains built-in human rights protections and allows states to refuse any cooperation that violates international law.
Tech industry representatives and activists have also expressed fears that the pact could be used to penalise ethical hackers who expose vulnerabilities, especially in government systems. The UNODC said the agreement “encourages” member states to support legitimate research activities.
