UN Convention against Cybercrime opens for signature in Hanoi, Viet Nam

The world's first global convention to prevent and respond to cybercrime opened for signature today in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

65 states signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime, which still must be ratified by each State according to its own procedures.

"The UN Cybercrime Convention is a powerful, legally binding instrument to strengthen our collective defences against cybercrime," noted UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the signing ceremony. "It is a testament to the continued power of multilateralism to deliver solutions. And it is a vow that no country, no matter their level of development, will be left defenceless against cybercrime."

The Convention against Cybercrime seeks to respond to the growing threat posed by cybercrime, acknowledging that the misuse of information and communications technology is enabling crimes like terrorism, human trafficking, financial crimes and drug smuggling on an unprecedented scale. It aims to make the prevention and response to cybercrime more effective by strengthening international cooperation, technical assistance and capacity building, particularly for developing countries.

Some highlights of the Convention:

• It is the first global framework for the collection, sharing and use of electronic evidence for all serious offences. Until now, there have been no broadly accepted international standards on electronic evidence;
• It is the first global treaty to criminalize cyber-dependent crimes and also offences related to online fraud, online child sexual abuse and exploitation material and online grooming of children;
• It is the first international treaty ever to recognize the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images as an offence;
• It creates the first global 24/7 Network where countries can quickly initiate cooperation; and
• It recognizes and promotes the need to build capacity in countries to pursue and cooperate on fast-moving cybercrimes.

"Cybercrime is changing the face of organized crime as we know it, and the new UN Cybercrime Convention provides Member States with a vital tool to fight back together," said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. "The signing of the Convention highlights the enduring value of multilateral cooperation after five years of negotiations. I am proud of the role UNODC has played in this achievement, and deeply grateful to Viet Nam for its leadership in hosting the signing ceremony. Now we must ensure the Convention's swift entry into force and implementation, for a safer digital world for all."

The UN Convention against Cybercrime was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024. It will enter into force 90 days after being ratified by the 40^th signatory.